Farm technical efficiency and myths of training and technology using an application of DEA single bootstrap: empirical evidence from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Augmenting efficiency and productivity at the farm level requires an infusion of the new knowledge and technology compatible with the local social, cultural and economic environment. The current study evaluated the farm technical efficiency and impact of training and technology on apricot farms technical efficiency. This study adopted the single bootstrap DEA with algorithm one using externally estimated efficiency scores to assess the various determinants of efficiency. The study observed substantial inefficiency across the apricot farm, and efficiency can be raised by reducing inputs by 18% with the current output level. Additionally, findings indicate that more scale efficient farmers and majority farmers confronted with the decreasing return to scale. Further, the study noted a positive and statistically significant association between training, technology and apricot farms technical inefficiency. In contrast, family and hired labour exhibit adverse and significant effects on inefficiency across the farms.