Explaining motivation of farmers to agricultural land use cover change in the Babolsar Township

In addition to economic and social impacts, changes in management and land use have a major impact on physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics, quality and quantity of water and air. In this study, the first step is to determine the motivation for farmers to change agricultural land use cover between the agricultural sector and horticulture in the Babolsar Township in 2016. The next step, using econometric approach Tobit and Heckman two-stage method was specified factors that influenced the decision of producers to choose horticultural activities or cultivating factors are different from Factors influenced the area under cultivation. Results show that doesn’t need to separate these factors in the Heckman two-stage method and Tobit model can explain correctly the current situation in the region. Finally, it is suggested that governments with using efficient support policies of the agricultural sector, especially for wheat and rice products such as guaranteed prices, wheat producers on time repayment and controlling imports of these products at the supply time of these products affect the incentives for farmers to continue producing crops and no change in land use from agricultural to horticultural.