| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the determinant factors such as different types of vegetables cultivars, labor allocation, land use and cultivation methods and effect of these factors on the revenues of vegetable production in northern Taiwan (ranging from Hsinchu to Keelung) based on the 2010 census of agriculture conducted by Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. By using ordinary least square(OLS) methods , we construct a linear regression model to estimate the factors that affect the production revenues for vegetable farmers. Such model can be used as parameters and references for the government to help young farmers in Northern Taiwan when choosing types of crops and improve the process of production.
The results show a significant positive correlation between cultivated area and six different crops (carrot, bamboo shoot, water spinach, cabbage, sponge gourd and leafy sweet potato). When the cultivated area increases 1 hectare, the production revenues increase 2-3 times, which means expanding the production scale in Northern Taiwan will increase farmers’ income in Northern Taiwan. There is no statistically significant difference for incomes of managerial roles in Northern Taiwan, this could result from lower average age and higher educational background of farmers in Northern Taiwan, and the convenience of communication and information. For labor allocations, farmers tend to profit more when hiring male employees. However, the results reverse and show a negative correlation in cabbage cultivation. This could stem from the cultivation methods which usually use a more extensive cultivation method with lower input of labor.
The positive correlation between production revenues and cultivated area can be traced back the “Small Landlords and Big Tenants Policy.” If old farmers are willing to lease their land which is fallow due to labor shortage or technology inadequacy to young farmers, it will be a good way to solve the problems about excessive fallow land and decrease the waste of productivity. Furthermore, it will increase farmers’ incomes significantly.
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