ANALYSIS OF INPUT USAGE EFFICIENCY IN CORN PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY FOR ALMATY REGION OF KAZAKHSTAN

The main objective of the study is to analyze the efficiency of resource use levels in corn production using the Data Envelopment Analysis method in Almaty region, Kazakhstan. In the course of the study, data were collected from 96 farmers growing corn in the Almaty region by proportional sampling using a face-to-face survey. According to the research results: the average of maize production area in the farms is 112.63 ha. It was determined that the average maize production amount was 961192.91 kg, and the maize yield per hectare was 8534.07 kg. The average corn price received by the farmers is 0,080 $/kg. Average maize production cost per hectare was calculated as 222,18 $. Average net profit per hectare from maize production has been determined as 462,64 $. It has been determined that the most important criterion for the farmers in selecting and using inputs is the input price. According to the efficiency analysis results, the average efficiency of 96 maize farmers was calculated as 0.74 under the assumption of constant return to scale and 0.95 under the assumption of variable return to scale. A data coverage method was used to analyze the efficiency of the use of inputs in corn production. In Data Envelopment Analysis, data were analyzed according to the CRS (Constant Return to Scale) and VRS (Variable Return to Scale) models, and estimates were made according to both models in the analysis. According to both model assumptions, efficiency results for the input were obtained. In an input-driven model approach, target results can be achieved with minimal use of input resources. It was determined that the most important criterion for farmers in the selection and use of inputs is the cost of inputs. According to the results of the efficiency analysis, the average efficiency of 96 corn farmers was calculated as 0.74 assuming constant returns to scale and 0.95 assuming variable returns to scale.