Assessing the Efficiency of Cotton Production on the Harran Plain, Turkey

Abstract

Compared with results from other studies of farm production in developing countries, this study finds that the sample of 54 cotton farmers located on the Harran Plain, Turkey, are producing at a high level of efficiency. Nevertheless, 72% of the farms are using inefficient levels of inputs. A statistically significant, positive relationship between farmers' education and on-farm technical efficiency underscores the need for public investment in rural education. Chemical, urea, tractor and labour inputs are used most inefficiently. Hence educational programmes should target these four inputs. A statistically insignificant relationship between farm size and technical efficiency implies that educational programmes should be available to all farmers, regardless of the size of their farm.