Determining Comparative Advantages of Corn in Optimal Cultivation Pattern

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate comparativeadvantages of corn in comparison with other competitorcrops. To do so, Linear Programming, to 2004-2005 data relatedto classic index (DRC) in Kermanshah province was applied.Results showed that corn has comparative advantages in allregions of Kermanshah province while in optimal cultivationpattern of 37.5 percentages of regions in existence of rotationand 50 percentages of regions in lack of rotation, corn acreagehas been increased. In addition, comparing optimal cultivationpattern resulted from linear programming models with cropsranking based on comparative advantage indices indicated that,resources availability and limitations, tradable and non-tradableinputs costs and yield will lead to shift in production’s comparativeadvantage from one crop to another. Factors such as supportingpolicies and rotation might also have effects on comparative advantages and optimal cultivating pattern.

Keywords

• Corn
• Comparative Advantage
• Kermanshah Province
• Linear Programming Method
• Optimal Cultivation Pattern.