Effect of Contract Farming on the Sustainability of Wheat Production in Iran: Case Study of Golestan Province

The Ministry of Agriculture Jihad in Iran implemented Contract Farming (CF) for wheat in ۲۰۲۱ to address marketing issues. This study compares agricultural sustainability for some farmers not participating in CF. Agricultural sustainability was assessed by applying a combined index approach that considers economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The required data came from ۶۲۰ wheat farmers in Golestan Province, sampled using the multi-stage randomization technique. The data were evaluated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and clustering methods. The findings indicated a significant difference in the performance of economic and environmental sustainability dimensions between two groups of wheat farmers. For the participants, ۱۴.۲% were deemed unsustainable, ۴۷.۷% were considered partially sustainable, and ۳۸.۱% were classified as sustainable. For non-participants, the figures were ۳۸.۷, ۴۷.۷, and ۱۳.۵%, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested to provide more opportunities for participation in this program and expand it to other key crops. Additionally, authorities should provide more information about the benefits of the CF plan.

Keywords:

Composite index approach , Dimensions of sustainability , Exploratory factor analysis , Sustainable agriculture