MSI99P0020 | |
Berthelot, P. B. | |
University of New England, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Armidale, New South Wales, AU | |
Alternative sugar cane based cropping systems in Mauritius: a linear programming approach | |
Dissertation, Degree of Master in Economics | |
Thesis | |
1990 | |
161 p.: 25 tbls.,19 figs.,10 app. | |
En | |
En | |
With the successful development of the secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy, the Mauritian agricultural sector is facing increasing competition for the scarce land and labour resources. Against this background, agricultural producers are being exhorted to maintain sugar output at present levels so as to honour exports quotas, and to increase food crop production to ensure self-sufficiency. In this study, a linear programming model is developed to investigate whether these twin-objectives can be achieved and resource use optimized, through alternative sugar cane-based cropping systems. These are characterised by shorter cane cycles than the traditional cycles with seven to eight ratoons, thereby providing increased opportunities for intercropping and cultivation of break-crops. Results obtained from the modelling exercise, using case-study data, sugggest that such alternative cropping systems can potentially increase overall agricultural output and farm profitability. However, their adoption is severely constrained by shortage of labour. Reform of existing labour legislation, which distinguishes between cane and food crop labour, and mechanization of major sugar cane operations (mainly harvesting) would go some way towards easing this constraint and meeting the national objectives of increased agricultural productivity and food crop production. | |
SUGARCANE CROPPING SYSTEMS INTERCROPPING ECONOMICS LINEAR PROGRAMMING MAIZE POTATOES GROUNDNUTS DIVERSIFICATION FARMING SYSTEMS | |
MAURITIUS | |
Farming systems research | |
Economics | |
633.61:338.16 | |
1991-10-10 | |
En | |
Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute | |
LIB | |
CAT | |
1 | |
ECON |