Economic Analysis and Determinants of Wheat Production in Bati Kot District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan

Abstract

The current study aims to analyze the economic aspects and factors affecting wheat production in the Bati Kot district, Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, food security remains a long-term issue. Wheat is the major crop, serving as the primary source of dietary energy, and has a crucial role in longer-term food security. To achieve the study objectives, 120 respondents were randomly selected for interviews during the 2023 crop season. Econometric techniques, descriptive statistics, simple budgeting, and Cobb-Douglas-type production functions were applied for analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed that 50% of respondents were under 40 years old, 65% were literate beyond the elementary level and 43% had family sizes ranging from 5 to 10 members. Furthermore, 60% of respondents had only 1 to 2 extension visits during the crop season. Wheat yield ranged between 1400 kg and 1460 kg per acre. The total cost of wheat production was Afghani (Af). 38,266.56/-, with total revenue of Af. 52,978.44/-, and net returns of Af. 14,711.88/-. The regression model illustrates that DAP, weedicides, and farmyard manure have positive and significant associations with wheat production. However, seed, urea, and labor days are positively but non-significantly associated with wheat production in the study area. Irrigation had a negative impact on wheat yield. Based on the findings the study suggests the import of chemical fertilizers from adjacent neighbor countries to reduce cost. Additionally, the introduction of Salinity Control & Reclamation Programs (SCARP) to improve irrigation response and increase access to agricultural machinery such as planters, harvesters, and threshers is likely to reduce yield losses and increase net returns for wheat producers in the study area.