Technical Efficiency Analysis of Organic Rice Production in Leyte, Philippines: A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Author: Allen Glennie P. Lambert
Received: June 21, 2022 | Revised: November 12, 2022 | Accepted: November 30, 2022
Abstract
This study investigates the technical efficiency of organic (uncertified) lowland irrigated rice farming in selected areas of Leyte Province. Technical efficiency indices were derived from a stochastic frontier production function analysis employing the maximum likelihood estimation. Organic (uncertified) rice farmers observed mean technical efficiency was high, with 92% for the dry season and 90% for the wet season, which is comparatively higher than the conventional practices findings available in the literature. Results showed that technical efficiency was significantly affected by farming experience, education, trainings attended, income from other sources, affiliation with organizations, technical services from the Department of Agriculture, and homemade sources of inputs. Results of the study suggest that farmers should apply optimal levels of organic inputs and continue water management to control weeds. For the government and non-government agencies to further promote the use of organic rice farming systems and intensive extension services is necessary. In addition, it is recommended that the government should create a policy and assistantship for organic farmers, especially small-scale farmers, in having their products certified at a lesser price or better a cost-free program. This will help farmers have a justified price for their products and will also further motivate other farmers to convert to organic farming.
Keywords: organic rice production, stochastic frontier production function, technical efficiency
Cite this article as:
Lambert, A. G. P. (2022). Technical Efficiency of Organic Rice Production in Leyte Philippines: A Stochastic Frontier Approach. Review of Socio-Economic Research and Development Studies, 6(2), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7500297
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