A stochastic frontier analysis of technical efficiency in rice production in the union territory of Puducherry

This study estimates technical efficiency in Kharif paddy production using data collected from 951 farmers in 2019–20. Stochastic frontier production function was used to estimate the technical efficiency. Findings reveal a mean technical efficiency of 81.77, 80.92 and 79.97% in the Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam districts, respectively. The cost of manures and fertilizer and the cost of seed material had a positive influence on paddy. The results suggest the need to improve the profitability and efficiency of paddy production.