Technical efficiency of rain-fed maize farms in tribal area of Central Gujarat

The present investigation was undertaken with view to study farm specific technical efficiency and factors determining technical efficiency of rain-fed maize farmers of tribal area of Central Gujarat. A stochastic frontier production function has been estimated to determine technical efficiency of individual farms and variance as well as regression analyses have been carried out to find the influence of socioeconomic factors. The average level of technical efficiency was estimated at 70.18 percent for farms as a whole, implying that on an average the sample farmers tend to realize around 70 percent of their technical abilities. Therefore, it was possible to improve the yield by 30 percent by following the efficient crop management practices. Among the determinants of technical efficiency, operational area, experience in maize cultivation, education level of the farmer, contact with extension agency and proximity to the market yard were found positive and significant. The variable, number of working family members had shown negative relationship with the technical efficiency. By adopting good management practices and proper allocation of the existing resources and technology, along with sound extension programmes, the potential that exists for improving the productivity of maize in the state, could be exploited.