Energy and economic analysis of quinoa production in Iran: A case study in Iranshahr Region

Food and energy shortages, as well as environmental pollution, are the three fundamental challenges of many countries. On the one hand, optimal energy utilization decreases input consumption, while on the other hand, it reduces environmental damage. Energy analysis is a scientific tool for gauging the stability of an ecosystem devoted to crop production. The objective of the present study was to assess the amount of input and output energy, the proportion of direct, indirect, renewable, and nonrenewable energy types, and the energy use efficiency of the quinoa production system in the Iranshahr region of southern Iran. In 2020, the required information was gathered by administering a questionnaire and conducting an interview with the quinoa farmer at the Agricultural Research and Agricultural Jihad Center. This study collects data from 35 farms and is based on two outputs (grain and straw yields) and eight inputs. Evaluations of energy and economics revealed that the total energy input and output for quinoa production were 39122.99 MJ ha-1 and 90741.78 MJ ha-1, respectively. For the cultivation of one hectare of quinoa, the values for energy use efficiency (2.32), energy productivity (0.17 kg MJ-1), specific energy (5.83 MJ kg-1) and net energy gain (51618.79 MJ ha-1) were determined. Diesel fuel accounted for the largest portion of energy usage (26.39%). The results of the economic research also revealed that the average consumption expenses for producing one hectare of quinoa were $1668.93 ha-1, while the average net income of the farmer was approximately $1451.86 ha-1. In terms of energy consumption and profitability, this plant is therefore suited for cultivation in the research region. Compared to wheat and barley, quinoa requires significantly less energy to produce in this location. However, with improved management, the energy efficiency of quinoa can be increased and the proportion of nonrenewable energy used in production can be decreased.