Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/65982

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate productivity in sugar beet production by setting seedlings in paper-pots and the impact of other labor-saving technologies on upland farms. Two analytical approaches were employed. First, the production cost per weight of sugar beets was adopted as an index of productivity. Second, linear programming was utilized in order to ascertain optimum cropping composition and the working hours needed to maximize income. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) The introduction of labor-saving technologies shortens working hours and reduces the production cost per weight in sugar beet production. It should be stressed, however, that it is necessary to maintain a certain yield in order to reduce the production cost per weight. (2) A combination of labor-saving technologies contributes to increased income. Furthermore, it became clear that the adoption of these technologies, by maximizing the utilization of one's core labor force, also makes it possible to expand the acreage of sugar beets under cultivation. The paper concluded that the continued introduction of labor -saving technologies will be indispensable for the stable production of sugar beets.