Total Factor Productivity of Wheat Technical Changes or Technical Efficiency; Case study of Three Northern Provinces of Iran

ABSTRACT: Addressing the productivity issue in wheat production due to the significant acreage in the country and its indispensable role in feeding people is a matter of particular importance. Because of great importance of wheat production in three Northern provinces in this study an attempt is made to gauge total factor productivity of wheat production and its components which are technical efficiency and technological change. The results showed that during the study period TFP changes in Golestan Province is more effected by Technological changes while in Gilan and Mazandran the TFP is more affected by technical efficiency. Changes in TFP for the whole country showed large fluctuations. These changes are due to changes in technical efficiency and technological change. Promotional programs with the aim of better application of inputs, to increase technical efficiency and the use of improvised technology can bring about steady and sustained growth. JEL classification: O47, C14