MEASURING THE EFFECT OF PRODUCTION FACTORS ON YIELD OF GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION USING MULTIVARIATE MODEL

Abstract

The aim of this study is efficient use of production resources among farmers in agricultural intensive area in Lushnja region. Through application of mathematical models study aims to investigate trends of production processes and define the main paths that characterized these processes. To investigate the relation between tomato yield of production (dependent variable) and several production factors it is used the multivariate model. Collection of data is done by utilizing a face to face questionnaire and the study area involved 16 communes in Lushnja region where the target group were farmers engaged in greenhouse tomato production (data are referring to the year 2011). After the discussion with experts the most important factors affecting the yield of tomato production were identified like, organic manure, fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, pesticides and irrigation. The analysis reveals that the overall effect of these factors on yield of greenhouse tomato production was 56%, while the impact of the other production factors was minor. The correlation matrix between yield of tomato production and each independent factor revealed the following figures: fertilizer (0.369), organic manure (0.149), liquid fertilizer (0.096) and irrigation (0.189). Again, by using statistical multivariate model the maximum and potential yield was calculated considering the efficient use of production resources. The difference between theoretical maximum yield and current yield of production results in maximum potential for improvement in terms of resource use efficiency. The multivariate model was used also for other purpose, the potential for cost reduction without get rid of actual yield. Based on these results the policy makers (extension service) and farmers can develop the most appropriate model in terms of resource use efficiency.