Total Factor Productivity of Corn Production in Iran

In this paper total factor of productivity growth in corn production was estimated for 7 years period (2000-2007) by using data envelopment analysis. Dividing Malmquist index to effects including technical efficiency changes and technological efficiency changes (pure technical efficiency, scale efficiency) and showed Malmquist index changes, its reasons and subsequently justified total factor productivity variation, increase or decrease. Required data have been collected from statistical sources of Agricultural Ministry. Results indicated that average total factor productivity growth for corn production of Iran during the specified period is negative (4.5%). It changes in different provinces, as highest value belonged to Fars province whit 18.5% per year and was negative for provinces of Khuzestan, Qazvin, Kerman and Kermanshah. Comparison of each effect shares in order to describing total productivity changes showed the highest value of technical efficiency changes. According to significant differences between productivity growths in various provinces, for each improvement planning of corn productivity, should consider local conditions and avoid using one program for all of country.