Determining Superior provinces of Sugar Beet Production Based on the criteria of efficiency and productivity

The best way to increase crop production is to improve efficiency and productivity. In this study, the technical efficiency and productivity growth of sugar beet production factors in major produced provinces were estimated using data envelopment analysis (DEA) method for the period of 2004-05 to 2014-15. Results showed that Semnan, Fras, Qazvin, Markazi, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari had no technical efficiency and the most non-optimal input usage was related to pesticide with 166% inefficiency in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. In the other words, pesticide usage can be reduced to more than half in this province. Productivity growth analysis showed a 7% decrease in growth in studied provinces and only Southern Khorasan and North Khorasan provinces had productivity growth of 4 and 6%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between productivity growth and its components showed a positive and significant (P<0.05) relationship between productivity growth and technological changes. According to the results, Southern Khorasan and North Khorasan provinces were in better position in terms of efficiency and productivity growth. Therefore, the study of management practices and the use of indigenous knowledge in these provinces can lead to the introduction of a model to improve the sugar beet production efficiency in the country.