Optimization of energy consumption and cost saving for button mushroom production in Alborz province of Iran

ABSTRACT: This study applied a non-parametric method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to survey the efficiency of button mushroom production units of Alborz province, Iran. Also the effect of optimization of energy on improvement of input costs and energy indices was investigated. The results showed that based on constant returns to scale model, 46% of mushroom production units were efficient, though based on variable returns to scale model it was 54%. The average of technical, pure technical and scale efficiency of orchards were 0.95, 0.95 and 0.99, respectively. About 3.6% of total input energy could be saved while holding constant level of button mushroom yield, if mushroom producer follow the recommendations of this study. Diesel fuel had highest contribution on energy saving by 53.6% of total saved energy. Moreover, energy use efficiency, energy productivity and net energy gained could improve by 3.7%, 3.7% and 4.5%, respectively. The economic analysis revealed that by optimization energy input usage total costs of button mushroom production decreases about 3.3%, as well as, increases benefit to cost ratio and productivity about 14% and 3.6%, respectively.