Economic effects of changes of surface irrigation To micro irrigation systems in Mashhad plain, Iran (Case Study)

摘要

In order to investigate the effects of changing surface irrigations to micro irrigation methods concerning water consumption, yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and its economic results, a study on 30 fields was conducted in Mashhad Plain, Iran for 2 consecutive years (2009-2010). The results of the study showed that, after changing the irrigation methods, the average amount of water used in summer’s farming , and orchards decreased 27.5 percent has decreased. The mean of total yields of total products, about 36% and the average of water use efficiency 95.1% has increased. Partial budgeting and project evaluation methods were used to evaluate farms economically. Economic calculations were performed based on three main scenarios (benefit and cost calculated base on 1- increase in yield and surface cultivation, 2- increase in yield and 3- increase in yield and sales of water). The average rate of return in three scenarios, was obtained , 678, 219 and 292 percent, respectively. Although, based on the rate of return index, the products’ arrangement in all scenarios has approximate similarities, but the rate of return in all scenarios, was high and economically acceptable and the changes in irrigation methods, has had a very positive impact on the livelihood and income of farmers.