EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION BASED ON ECONOMETRIC MODELS

Abstract

This study provides a rigorous econometric evaluation of technical efficiency in the fruit and vegetable sectors, utilizing the "New Primal Perspective" to transcend the limitations of traditional symmetric production models. Central to this inquiry is the functional dichotomy between growth inputs—biological drivers such as land, seed, and fertilizer—and facilitating inputs—environmental and operational controllers including labor, capital, and pesticides. By synthesizing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), we develop an asymmetric translog specification that acknowledges the biophysical realities of crop growth. Empirical benchmarks derived from Dutch arable and potato farm datasets reveal systemic technical inefficiencies, particularly a 21% over-capitalization and excessive labor intensity that fails to provide proportional yield protection. The findings establish land as the primary binding constraint with a high Value of Marginal Product (VMP), while facilitating inputs exhibit diminishing or even negative marginal productivity due to factors like phytotoxicity and investment irreversibility. These results offer critical strategic insights for the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, advocating for a policy shift toward land consolidation, optimized capital allocation, and digitized precision agriculture. By integrating bio-economic modeling into national policy, Uzbekistan can enhance its food security and export potential through more accurate assessments of agricultural productivity.