Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Potato Cultivation Operationsin Kabudarahang County

Preserving natural resources and environmental sustainability during the utilization of resources for agricultural product production is of significant importance. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify the factors affecting the sustainability of potato cultivation operations in Kabudarahang County. The required data was collected from ۱۰۶ potato farmers in the region. The Senanayake approach was used to evaluate the sustainability of potato cultivation, and then using the ISDM index, farmers' fields were categorized into five different groups based on their sustainability. According to the results, ۲.۸۳% of the fields were classified as completely unsustainable, ۱۱.۳۲% as unsustainable, ۶۶.۰۳% as average, ۱۶.۹۸% as sustainable, and ۲.۸۳% as completely sustainable. Furthermore, through linear regression estimation, the factors influencing sustainability were assessed. Based on the obtained results, variables such as age of the farmer, level of education, technical efficiency, participation in extension courses showed a positive relationship with sustainability, while cooperative membership had a negative impact on sustainability. Finally, after identifying the factors affecting agricultural sustainability, measures such as increasing farmers' awareness, conducting extension courses, and improving farm efficiency were recommended.

Keywords:

ISDM index , Kabudarahang , Senanayake approach , Sustainable agriculture