Village and Development

Village and Development

Measuring Energy Consumption Efficiency and its Influencing Factors in Potato Production in Rural Areas of Ardabil City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
E. Ghasemi 1
Gh. Dashti 2
R. Mohammadzadeh 3
1 Ph.D. Student of Agricultural Economics, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
3 Ph.D. Student in Agricultural Development, Department of Agricultural Development and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.30490/rvt.2025.367408.1655
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Energy has become a critical focus of sustainable development in recent decades due to its significant role in economic growth and its destructive impact on the environment and natural resources. Studying energy efficiency and optimizing its consumption in the production process is essential. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting energy efficiency in potato production in rural areas of Ardabil county.
 
Materials and Methods
Data was collected from 160 potato farmers in Ardabil county through a questionnaire and converted into energy equivalents. The stochastic frontier production function and inefficiency model were used to analyze the data.
 
Results and Discussion
The energy inputs of seeds, machinery, labor, fertilizers, and pesticides significantly influenced the energy output of potato production. The average energy efficiency of farms was 86%, and optimizing energy resources could increase efficiency by 14%. Factors such as farmer's age, experience, land ownership, and main occupation had a significant impact on efficiency.
 
Conclusion
Increasing cultivation can reduce inefficiency and improve energy efficiency in potato production. Encouraging experienced farmers with agriculture as their main occupation and expanding cultivation areas can enhance energy savings and scale of production. Leveraging the expertise of experienced farmers and combining it with modern agricultural knowledge can boost productivity and efficiency. Larger-scale production can lead to economies of scale and cost savings, benefiting potato farmers in Ardabil county.
Keywords
Efficiency, Potato, SFA, Sustainable Agriculture, Translog Production Function

Subjects

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