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

Current study aims to workout economic analysis and factors effecting wheat production in Bati Kot district, Afghanistan. In Afghanistan food security is a long-term critical issue. Wheat is the major crop, source of dietary energy and has link with longer-term food security in Afghanistan. To achieve the objectives 120 respondents were randomly selected for interviews during crop season 2023. Econometric techniques, descriptive statistics, simple budgeting and Cobb Douglas type production function was 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 only visited (1-2) extension visits during the crop season. Wheat yields ranged between 1400 kg and 1460 kg per acre. Total cost of wheat production was Afghani (Af). 38,266.56/-, with the total revenue Af. 52,978.44/-, and net returns Af. 14,711.88/-, respectively. Regression model shows that DAP, weedicides, and farmyard manure all have positive and significant association with wheat production. However seed, urea, and labor days are positive but non-significantly associated with wheat production in study area. Irrigation had a negative impact on wheat yield. Based on the findings the study suggests chemical fertilizers from adjacent nations to reduce cost. Furthermore, the introduction of Salinity Control & Reclamation Programs (SCARP) to make irrigation response positive and access to agricultural machinery like planters, harvesters, and threshers are likely to reduce yield loss and increase net returns for wheat producers in the study area.