Which Factors Affect Pomegranate Production in Kandahar? An implementation of the Cobb-Douglas Production Function
Which Factors Affect Pomegranate Production in Kandahar? An implementation of the Cobb-Douglas Production Function

Summary/Abstract: Pomegranates are one of the most important fruits in Kandahar province, which is famous for its pomegranates around the world. Pomegranates play a vital role in the socio-economic life of those who grow them. This study empirically analyzed the factors affecting pomegranate production in Kandahar province in Afghanistan. The study used primary data collected from 200 pomegranate growers in Dand, Panjwai and Daman districts of Kandahar province. These growers were selected using a random sampling method and the data was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. An ordinary least squares regression model, based on an extended Cobb-Douglas production function, was used to analyze the data. The farmers’ periodic income per hectare was used as a monetary measure of pomegranate production and was defined as the dependent variable. The explanatory variables considered for the study were average cost of fertilizer per hectare, average cost of urea per hectare, average cost of DAP per hectare, average cost of land preparation per hectare, average cost of chemicals per hectare, average cost of labor per hectare, and average cost of water supply per hectare. The results of the analysis show that of these seven independent variables, number female household members, average cost of DAP, average cost of urea, and average cost of water supply are significant at the p<0.01 level, and the rest of the listed variables are insignificant at the p<0.05 level. Furthermore, the R2 value of the model (26%) suggests that there are other factors not included in the model which can influence pomegranate production. In order to enhance the productivity of pomegranate production in Kandahar province, the government should provide farmers with assistance so that they can control those factors which affect the productivity of the fruit.

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