Efficiency of Forced Tomato Production under Shelters with Different Technical-Technological Levels

Krivdáné Dorogi, Dóra Anikó

Keywords: tomato production, greenhouse, comparison, investment analysis, cost-benefit analysis, Q12, Q14, Q16

The main objective of this study is to find out what efficiency and profitability parameters are necessary to produce forced tomato under different shelters; which production method is the most efficient and which method should be chosen with respect to profitability. Three production methods are introduced in the study including different technical-technological levels: traditional, low-height plastic tunnel; large atmospheric, block-based plastic tunnel; advanced, large atmospheric Dutch type greenhouse.
In each case, production takes place without soil in growing medium, under heated conditions, producing trusses of tomatoes with the same variety. The results do not represent the national average, but the relations of production plants in Hungary with the highest standard.
According to the results of the analyses, tomato production can be performed with the most economical parameters under traditional plastic tunnel even if it has the lowest capital requirement. Production is uneconomical due to the relatively low specific yields, average prices, as well as poor labour efficiency, therefore it is not a recommended production method at all. Consequently, only block-based plastic and modern glasshouse are alternatives where economical parameters are acceptable. Block-based plastic tunnels - primarily due to their lower capital requirements - have more favourable values in terms of return on equity (IRR, PI), while modern greenhouses have much more favourable income capacity (NPV), but there is no significant difference in their payback periods. However, along with investment subsidy, modern greenhouses clearly show the most positive picture. As investment subsidy and yield levels have a determining impact on economic efficiency, efficient use of subsidies and the achievement of high, professional production standards (specific yields) are key issues for competitive production.

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