Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development
Year:2009 | Volume:17 | Issue:2 (66)|Papers Count:8

For measuring and evaluating factor productivity of broiler industry in Kurdistan province, on the basis of simple random sampling method, out of 230 active farms 70 were selected randomly and the related data for a production cycle in 2005 were collected.Findings showed that the mean of average productivity for feed was 0.45; i.e. out of each 1 kg fed, 0.45 kg chicken had been produced. The mean of average productivity for labor was 10229.11; i.e. one worker in a production cycle produced 10229 kg chicken. The marginal productivity for feed and labor was 0.13 and 2250.41 respectively.

Economic aspects of greenhouse gases diffusion and it's impacts on environment play important role in economies of different countries. The objectives of the study are to investigate the relationship and causality between GDP and dioxide of carbon gas and to examine the environmental Kuznet`s curve in Iran. Standard Granger Causality and Hsiao's Granger Causality tests were employed using OLS technique to estimate a quadratic function. The results showed that there is a one-side relationship from the volume of dioxide of carbon gas to GDP. The results also indicated that since the growth rate of the volume of dioxide of carbon is greater than growth rate of GDP, the shape of the environmental Kuznet`s curve does not have the expected form shown in the literature. Therefore, the economic growth of Iran is not in a situation in which it can decrease the environmental polluters.

The emission of greenhouse gases from different sources, especially agricultural sector is one of the main environmental pollution factors and as a resource of major changes in climatic and biodiversity. This study has been conducted through collecting cross section survey data from 85 dairy farms in Mashahd district in 2006. The stochastic frontier output distance model was estimated to derive the related environmental cost. The results showed a share of 10.68 and 67910.3 Milliard Rials environmental cost due to greenhouse gases emission in Mashhad and Iran dairy farms, respectively. These findings can make a basis for planners and policymakers to have a better knowledge of environmental costs. Finally, imposing the environmental taxes (green tax) for pollutant firms, as well as constructing an appropriate strategy to reduce their pollution via participatory management and Carbon sequestration are some policies recommended here.

Iran usually claims to have comparative advantage in horticultural products. Appraisal of this in relation with target markets like OECD countries is important especially when England is one of the main importers of Iran's apples. This study examines the hypothesis on horticultural activity Azerbaijan province for apple production in selected cities (Oroumia, Khoy and Salmas of West Azerbaijan province). It provides a theoretical frame work for the analysis of the comparative advantage through Domestic Resource Cost Method (DRC).The impact of exchange rate and shadow price change of land and irrigation water on comparative advantage of apple production activity were assessed. The results showed that DRC is sensitive to changes in exchange rates, shadow price of land and, irrigation water. These factors have a great effect on comparative advantage of the region.The results also show that among those selected cities, Oroumiah has comparative advantage in horticultural production, so this sector is expected to play much important role in the future of the region.

The purpose of this descriptive-correlation study is to examine the importance of farm management skills as perceived by wheat farmers. The target population of this study consisted of all Tafresh township's wheat growers (N= 7930) out of which, according to Cochran's formula, a number of 225 people were selected by using statistical sampling in a stratified randomization method. Finally, 193 questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Findings indicated three important skills as perceived by wheat farmers included: operation, goal setting and information-seeking skills. Results obtained from Friedman test indicated that there was significant difference between operation skill importance and other skills.

Natural resources in our contemporary world are counted as capital, so that protecting them should be the main goal of human activities. Most natural resources scientists believed that the existence and functions of natural ecosystems, not only make the life of mankind get better, but also help sustainable development be achievable. By this concept, In this research the sixteen districts of Shafarood Watershed in Gilan province were studied in 2006 and 2007. By surveying 32 contemplate of districts and determination of annual increments of forest and by using regression analysis, the growth function was presented. In addition; the utilizing function was also estimated and then by crossing these two functions, the optimal points in two cases-open access and private ownership – was discussed.The results of this survey show that the quantity 9.9 m3 /h was determined for maximum growth of Shafarood Forest in addition to this, it was proved that the monopolistic regime is more efficient than a competitive one for managing and making decision for the forest.

Crop insurance is a main tool for coping with different adversities in farming. This is an innovation in rural areas that the best way for diffusion it between farmers is congruence it with farmers' need and wants. The purpose of this study was to identify the major determinants of satisfaction among insured farmers. Survey research and Multi sectional sampling procedures were used to select farmers. 300 farmers represented sample size. The sample consisted of two groups of farmers: 1) currently insured, 2) used to be insured, and results revealed for currently insured, corporate image and service quality for used to be insured, farmer's commitment and service quality and for all farmers, corporate image, service quality and reparation have a direct impact on that satisfaction. Finally we have some suggestions for more farmers’ satisfaction about crop insurance that can make more adoption crop insurance by farmers.