Evaluating Technical Efficiency Of Rice Production By Using A Modified Three-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis Approach A Case Study In Thailand

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the technical efficiency of rice production in four regions of Thailand using a three-stage data envelopment analysis DEA model during the period from 2006 to 2015. The results show a relatively high level of technical efficiency in their production and environmental factors have a significance influence on the production efficiency. In addition our results indicated that northeastern region has the best scores of technical efficiency and was recognized as the best region for Thai rice production. The findings from this study contribute to improving efficiency production for sustainable development. It is proposed that the Thai government should pay attention to zoning area for rice production and the land holdings should provide sound policies to support modern agricultural machinery for rice production.