Optimizing farmers' technical efficiency: a comparative analysis using stochastic frontier analysis: considering the role of farmers training and technological integration

This study analysed the technical efficiency of apricot and apple farmers, focusing on the impact of training and technology adoption. A single stochastic frontier analysis with a truncated normal distribution was used to assess efficiency using cross-sectional data. Results showed that farm size, capital, and labour elasticities in apricot production were 24%, 30%, and 9%, respectively. Farm size and labour elasticities in apple production were 52% and 36%, while capital was insignificant. Returns to scale were 0.63 for apricots and 0.99 for apples, indicating decreasing returns to scale for both groups. Technical efficiency ranged from 0.44 to 0.98 (mean 0.77) for apricot growers and 0.40 to 0.98 (mean 0.61) for apple growers, suggesting potential improvements of 23% and 39%, respectively. Additionally, participation in training sessions and technology adoption significantly enhanced technical efficiency at the 1% significance level.