Technical Efficiency of Maize Production in Fluoride Affected Locales, Tamil Nadu: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Abstract

To estimate the technical efficiency of maize production among fluoride affected and non affected locales of Tamil Nadu. A multi-stage sampling method involving a combination of purposive and random sampling procedures was employed in drawing up the samples for collecting primary data. The sample size is about 120. Stochastic frontier production function is used to estimate technical efficiency of maize. The result of stochastic frontier production function indicated that FYM, Potassium, machine power, irrigation and management index have significant influence on yield of maize in less fluoride affected locale, while, seed rate, nitrogen, phosphorous, machine power and irrigation are significantly influence the yield of maize in moderately fluoride affected locale, in case of highly fluoride affected locale, seed rate, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and irrigation are significantly influencing the yield of maize, while, nitrogen, potassium, irrigation and management index are significantly influences the yield of maize in non affected locale. The study suggests that awareness of fluoride contamination and averting measures must be disseminated to the farmers.