Evaluation of the main barriers for extension of rapeseed production in Khorasan province

Document Type : Research Article

Abstract

During the recent years introduction of rapeseed in the oil seed production systems of Iran is promoted by the policy makers of agricultural sector because of special characteristics of this crop. In order to evaluate the production barriers of rapeseed and farmers tendency for this crop in Khorasan province, 220 rapeseed farmers were randomly selected and their attitudes were evaluated using previously designed questioners. The results showed that in average the producers were 43 years old and 75% of them had agricultural experience for up to 10 years however, the study year was the first rapeseed farming experience for 38% of selected farmers. Yields above 2 t ha-1 were harvested by 31% of producers while the attained yield for 25% of farmers was lower than 1 t ha-1. Based on the results only 30% of farmers were satisfied by the harvested yield and 36% of them showed tendency to continue
rapeseed production. Low water requirement of rapeseed compared to the alternative crops was
considered as the main beneficial characteristic and chilling risk was pointed as the main barrier for rapeseed production over the province. Farmers were satisfied by the extension and technical services however, lack of harvesting machinery and trading complexities were also important problems. Based on the results it seems that introduction of new cold tolerant rapeseed cultivars with higher yield potential and improvement of the seed price are the main priorities for making rapeseed competitive with alternative winter crops such as wheat and barley.

20.1001.1.20081472.1388.7.2.18.8

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