Economic evaluation of converting rice paddies into citrus orchards in Northern Roudpey District of Sari County

Changes in land use is an approach that is considered all around the world recently. This approach has been considered in some parts of the country especially western areas of Mazandaran Province, and due to its nature, it may cause some threats or benefits. Thus, the objective of this research was economic evaluation of converting rice paddies into citrus orchards. Quantitative data gathering techniques using questionnaire and interview was used to gather data. Research population included orchardists and rice growers of Northern Roudpey of Sari County that about 80 ones of them were selected as research sample using Brtlet Sampling Table. Net present value and benefit- cost ratio techniques were used for economic evaluation of the supposed agricultural activities. The results showed that both of them have economic justification, but the citrus orchards are more profitable. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is recommended to convert rice paddies to citrus orchards of course in a gradual process and with precision administration and control of related organizations such as Jihad-e-Agriculture.