Profitability of Chemical Fertilizer Application：Comparison of Lowland and Upland Rice Cultivation in Madagascar

Abstract

This paper examines whether chemical fertilizer application in rice fields is profitable in the central highland of Madagascar where both lowland rice and upland rice are cultivated. The analyses reveal: (i) upland rice plots are more likely to receive chemical fertilizer; (ii) the impact of nitrogen application on yield is larger on upland rice plots than on lowland rice plots; and (iii) nitrogen application is profitable only when nitrogen is in the form of urea and applied to upland rice plots. We conclude that technological development to improve yield response to chemical fertilizer in lowland rice plots should be promoted.