Application of the Malmquist Index to Investigate the Total Factor Productivity of Wheat in the Northern Area of Iran

Addressing the productivity issue in wheat production as a staple food in the country is important. In this study total factor productivity change is investigated in the three Northern provinces and compared to country mean in period of 2000-2010. The results of this study showed that in Golestan province، the total factor productivity change is under the influence of technological change and in Mazandaran and Gilan province، the total productivity change is under the influence of technical efficiency. Changes in TFP for the whole country have large fluctuations. These changes are due to changes in technical efficiency and technological change. To increase total factor productivity، better use of production inputs، especially، agricultural machinery، and extending loans to farmers are recommended.