Alternative sugar cane based cropping systems in Mauritius: a linear programming approach
Code (CO)MSI99P0020
Author (AU)Berthelot, P. B.
Organisation (OR)University of New England, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Armidale, New South Wales, AU
Title - English (ET)Alternative sugar cane based cropping systems in Mauritius: a linear programming approach
Thesis-Parent title (TH)Dissertation, Degree of Master in Economics
Document Type(DT)Thesis
Date of publication (DP)1990
Source (SO)161 p.: 25 tbls.,19 figs.,10 app.
Language of text (LT)En
Language of summaries (LS)En
Abstract (AB)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.
Descriptors - English (DE)SUGARCANE
CROPPING SYSTEMS
INTERCROPPING
ECONOMICS
LINEAR PROGRAMMING
MAIZE
POTATOES
GROUNDNUTS
DIVERSIFICATION
FARMING SYSTEMS
Descriptors - Geographic (DG)MAURITIUS
Sort Key 1(K1)Farming systems research
Sort Key 2 (K2)Economics
Call Number (CN)633.61:338.16
Date record entered (DA)1991-10-10
Language of analysis (LA)En
Affiliation (AF)Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute
Location (LO)LIB
Processing status (PS)CAT
Number of copies (NC)1
MSIRI Staff (MS)ECON