Estimating the Productive and Economic Efficiency of the Cucumber Crop Using Protected Agriculture System in Nubaria

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the productivity and economic efficiency of cucumber cultivation within protected agriculture systems in Nubaria. It studied the production and economic indicators to identify the key factors influencing cucumber production. Statistical estimation of production costs and financial evaluation per acre cultivated with cucumbers under protected agriculture was conducted. The relative importance of total costs was analyzed, followed by estimating marketing costs, the producer's share, marketing intermediaries' share of the consumer pound, marketing margins, and marketing efficiency for cucumbers grown under the protected agriculture system in the Nubaria sample.The research results indicated that the average productivity per square meter of cucumbers in high-capacity greenhouses reached approximately 18.2 kilograms per square meter. The fixed costs per ton of cucumbers were around 700 Egyptian pounds, while the variable costs per ton were approximately 2250 Egyptian pounds. The average total costs per ton were about 2950 Egyptian pounds, with a return-to-cost ratio of about 1.56, indicating economic efficiency in cucumber production since the return-to-cost ratio exceeded 1. This could be attributed to providing an appropriate environment for plant growth and using suitable varieties within the protected environments. Additionally, the results showed that the producer's share accounted for about 53.13% while the intermediaries' share was about 46.87% of the average price paid by the consumer. The wholesale and retail trader shares were approximately 9.37% and 37.50%, respectively, within the study sample during the agricultural season of 2022/2023.