Comparative cost analyses of pepper production under conventional and integrated crop management methods: The case of Strumica region in Republic of Macedonia

摘要

Pepper is an important export crop in Macedonia. Demand for ICM grown food has been increasing in the last decade.udProduction costs have been analyzed in several studies using methods as budgeting and approaches as estimation ofudproduction, cost, or profit functions. In this study budgeting methods are used in order to analyze the costs and benefits ofudpepper production under conventional versus integrated crop management (ICM) methods. Data were collected using fieldudstudies, applying face– to–face interview method, conducted at the region of Strumica. Time and motion study techniquesudwere used to record machinery use and labor quantities. Records of production inputs and yields were also collected.udResults show that ICM systems are more profitable than conventional. Net returns were fairly close to those forudconventional and ICM systems.udKey Words: Pepper, Conventional methods, Integrated crop management methods (ICM),udProduction costs, Profitability, Net returns.