Impact of mechanization on canola production in Fars province of Iran

Effect of mechanization on canola production of growers was studied. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires among selected farmers in Eqlid and Jahrom districts in Fars province. Three methods were applied based on literature. In the first method by the use of cluster analysis, producers were classified into two groups. In the second method, an index was defined as a value of manufactured inputs included chemical fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation equipments, and machineries. In the third method, a mechanization index as ratio of machinery costs to machinery and labor costs was considered. These criteria were used as explanatory variable in Cobb-Douglas production function. Findings of correlation analysis revealed that throughout low-mechanized group the relation of yield with inputs is positive and statistically significant, except in case of seed and labor. The results of production function showed that 10% increase in water, pesticides and chemical fertilizer (labor) applications will rise or decrease the outputs by 4.3, 2.2, 6.2 and 8.7%, respectively. Dummy variable of location indicated proper condition of canola production in Eqlid than in Jahrom. In case of highly mechanized farmers, based on correlation coefficients, the relation among yield with inputs were found unexpected or statistically non- significant, except for seed (+0.42). The results of production function of highly mechanized producers showed that water, labor and machinery related negatively to the production. Seed also was revealed a significant positive effect on canola production. Based on the mechanization criteria concerning total value of manufactured inputs, 10% increase of this criterium will rise yield by 1.3%. The results of another mechanization criterium, the ratio of machinery costs to machinery and labor costs showed that 10% increase in this criterium will rise canola production by 6.9%.