open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/65982

The Effect of Labor saving Technologies on Upland Farms : A Case of Sugar Beet Cultivation in Hokkaido

日本語

2013-04-01

北海道農業経済学会

フロンティア農業経済研究

17(1)

29-37

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.

学術雑誌論文

Version of Record

2185-1220

AA12489661