Technical efficiency of rice farms in cooperatives in mekong delta of Vietnam

Agricultural cooperatives and rice farmings are now key concerns in development of Vietnam’s agriculture. This study was carried out to determine factors affecting the technical efficiency of rice producers in agricultural cooperatives in Tra Vinh and Dong Thap province, using a stochastic frontier production function. The results indicated that the mean level of technical efficiency was 0.81, ranging from 0.61 to 0.97. The mean technical efficiency score could be increased by 0.19 through improving rice farming practices. The use of fertilizer, chemical expenditure, education, experience and tranings had positive and significant influences on technical efficiency. The variable of land and credit access were negative indicating that managerial skills of farmer on their farm size and capital were inefficient. The findings recommend that besides supporting new farming technologies, farmers should be trained in managerial skills to manage the farm and allocate the capital effectively.