Economic analysis of modern and traditional transplanting systems in rice production (Case study: Rasht County)

The main objective of this study is the economic analysis of using transplanting machines in rice fields. For this purpose, the technical efficiency and the technological gap ratio of farmers who have performed transplanting operation with the traditional method were compared with farmers who have used modern methods for transplanting. The stochastic nonparametric envelopment of data (StoNED) was used to calculate the technical efficiency. The required data were obtained from 531 farmers by using cluster sampling method proportional to the size of the population and by completing a questionnaire. The results of estimating the technical efficiency of the frontier function showed that it is possible to increase production by using the current amount of input and the available level of technology. This is a point of hope for agricultural policymakers. Because by intragroup transferring the correct patterns and techniques of using inputs, rice production can be increased. The results of technical efficiency based on metafrontier function showed that paddy farmers who used the modern planting system had better technical performance. The results of technical efficiency based on the metafrontier function showed that the paddy farmers who used the modern planting system had better technical performance. In addition, the results of the technological gap ratio showed that in all the surveyed farms, farmers who used modern methods for rice transplanting also had a higher technological gap ratio. According to the results, farmers can increase their production by buying modern machinery cooperatively. The government can also take steps to increase production and move towards self-sufficiency through incentive mechanisms such as low-interest facilities for farmers or cooperatives to purchase modern machinery.