Comparative Assessment of Energy, Economics, and Emission (3E) of Rice Production in Plain and Hilly Areas in Nepal

초록

PurposeNepal, with its diverse geography of flat lowlands (Terai), Hills, and Mountains, primarily focuses on rice farming, especially in the Terai and Hilly regions. This leads to varying farming patterns, inputs, and yields. This study filled the research gap in analyzing the spatial heterogeneity in energy use patterns, emissions, and the economics of rice farming in Nepal.MethodsThe study is conducted by collecting primary data through structured face-to-face interviews with 100 rice farmers. The data collected through the survey is analyzed using the literature to understand the energy, emissions, and costs associated with rice farming.ResultsThe net energy, yield, productivity, and energy use efficiency were found to be 67,540 MJ ha-1, 5,720 kg ha-1, 0.47 kg MJ-1, and 6.52, respectively, for Terai, which is higher than that of the Hill, i.e., 46,932 MJ ha-1, 4,098 kg ha-1, 0.43 kg MJ-1, and 5.90 respectively. The econometric model highlighted mechanization as most impactful on paddy yield, and sensitivity analysis suggested that 1 MJ of additional machinery or seeds per ha boosts yield by 0.97 and 0.96 kg, respectively. In Terai, the profit per hectare and benefit-cost ratios were found to be USD 205 and 1.32, while in Hill, negative earnings of USD 42 ha-1 and 0.95 the benefit-cost ratios were found. Despite lower emissions, Hill had higher carbon efficiency (7.78) than Terai (5.67).ConclusionThe study found Terai to be energy efficient and profitable but more emissive than Hill. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural experts interested in the energy, economics, and emissions of rice farming in Nepal.

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