Cost-benefit comparison between the Nahrain hybrid variety and traditional varieties for the 2023 season

Abstract

A study was conducted to measure the cost-benefit ratio between the Al-Nahrain hybrid variety and traditional varieties during the 2023 agricultural season. The study aimed to measure the cost-benefit ratio between the Al-Nahrain hybrid and traditional varieties in the Kirkuk and Salah al-Din governorates during the 2023 agricultural season, using economic and accounting analysis methods. Data was collected through personal interviews with 120 farmers using a questionnaire designed for this purpose, distributed equally between 60 questionnaires for the Al-Nahrain variety and 60 for the traditional variety. The research problem was the low productivity of yellow corn and the decline in cultivated areas, resulting in reduced income for farmers. The CBA (Cost-Benefit Analysis) methodology was used to measure the cost-benefit ratio between the Al-Nahrain hybrid and traditional varieties. The results showed that the traditional variety achieved higher revenues, reaching 1,131,624 dinars, compared to the hybrid variety, which generated 945,624 dinars, indicating the efficiency of the traditional variety in generating returns.  The production cost of the hybrid variety was lower (354,005 dinars) compared to the conventional variety (475,325 dinars), indicating the potential for improved profitability through the use of hybrids. Data showed a 25.52% reduction in the overall costs of the hybrid variety, demonstrating improved cost management efficiency. The cost-to-reward ratio showed that the conventional variety was more efficient (2.3807) than the hybrid variety (2.6712). Furthermore, the hybrid variety required less fertilizer, reflecting greater efficiency in the use of agricultural inputs. The study recommended encouraging farmers to cultivate hybrid varieties, focusing on improving cost management strategies, diversifying crops, and strengthening collaboration with agricultural experts. It also recommended providing training programs for farmers on how to effectively use hybrid varieties, which would contribute to improved productivity and increased profitability.