Research Information System
Custos e Agronegocio, vol.18, no.1, pp.229-249, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
The study aimed to determine cost and technical efficiency of dairy buffalo farms. The data of the study were collected from 65 dairy buffalo farms by using whole counting method in Igdir province, Turkey. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) method was used to calculate technical efficiency scores of farms. The results of the research were divided into two groups as efficient and inefficient farms. The average cost of buffalo milk production per liter was calculated as $0.70 in overall farms, $0.51 in efficiency farms and $0.98 in inefficient farms. The variable costs founded 75.28% of the total milk cost and the biggest items of milk production costs were feed cost (61.42%), labor cost (12.72%) and depreciation (5.11%). According to the DEA, average technical efficiency scores of dairy buffalo farms were 0.84 and this result showed that the inefficient farms could decrease their inputs use by 16%. In order to increase the efficiency of dairy buffalo farms in the region, the farmers should manage their inputs efficiently by providing efficient extension services. In addition, for sustainability of buffalo farms, the government should be increasing the amount of support given to the farmers.