Economic and Technical Assessment of the Chinese Plum Varieties Using Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods

Abstract

Globally, plums are among the most grown and consumed fruit species. Considering China as the leader in plum production, there are intentions to introduce the usually grown plum varieties in China into the area of Western Balkan (WB). It is expected that this action will trigger knowledge and technological transfer, as well as improvement in reached profitability. The suitability of available seven plum varieties (Superior, Skoroplodnaya, Eagle Dream, Sissy, Manchu Beauty, Golden ball and Red ball) to production and market conditions of Western Balkan are analysed by experts’ assessment of offered alternatives according to predefined sets of (sub)criteria (economic and technological). In line with the main goal of the research support in the decision-making process, i.e. ranking the observed plum varieties is done according to the selected multi-criteria method, in this case, fuzzy DNARAS multi-criteria decision-making method (Double Normalization Fuzzy Additive Ratio Assessment). Previous assessments of observed plum varieties towards the predefined sets of criteria are done by engaged national experts focused on fruit growing. Derived research results show that the plum variety Sissy could perfectly fit the WBs fruit production sector, while the variety Superior possess the lowest growing potential among the assessed plum varieties. Research originality lies in the fact that assessment and ranking of selected plum varieties have been done with the fuzzy DNARAS multi-criteria decision-making method, a method that shows a higher level of stability compared to other similar methods. Performing the quasi-experiment under the expert’s opinions and suggesting the plum varieties that could correspond to adequate growing alternatives simultaneously represents the initial stage in multi-year field experiments linked to the introduction of marked varieties into the WBs.