A holistic approach to enhancing economic productivity via sustainable vegetable farming

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural systems engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Agricultural systems engineering, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Khuzestan province’s agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to substantial waste in producing major vegetables and summer crops, driven by supply demands from neighboring regions. This study examines key factors contributing to post-harvest waste across the supply chain, from farm to table. Data collected via questionnaires from 30 stakeholders were analyzed using statistical methods, revealing that packaging, transportation, and storage duration critically influence waste levels. In the second phase, an index-based approach evaluated human resource productivity, focusing on partial productivity measures. Additionally, simple linear programming and fuzzy linear programming techniques optimized energy use, revealing that labor costs dominate expenses, followed by machinery, with human and capital inputs constituting 70% of total costs. Findings suggest that smaller production units can enhance energy efficiency through expanded operational areas, while larger units can improve performance via better resource management. These insights can inform policies aimed at waste reduction, improved logistics, and energy-efficient technologies, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring the sustainability of Khuzestan’s agriculture.

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Environmental Resources Research
Volume 13, Issue 2
October 2025
Pages 423-433

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