Estimating the Technical Efficiency for the Backward Integration of Tapioca Crop Intamil Nadu

This paper attempts to estimate the technical efficiency for the production tapioca (Manihot esculenta) in Tamil Nadu. India records 9th place among the area and production of tapioca in the world. In India, major tapioca cultivating states are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. There are different value added products from tapioca in India like starch, sago, wafers, animal feed etc. In case of technical efficiency, the variables such as human labor, machine power, fertilizers and planting material (sets) were found to be significantly influencing the yield in both the irrigated and rainfed conditions. The animal power was found to be significantly influencing the yield only among rainfed farmers. The overall technical efficiency ratings were higher in irrigated farms compared to rainfed farms.