ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES IN WHEAT PRODUCTION FARMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON PROFITS (A STUDY IN KIRKUK GOVERNORATE – IRAQ) FOR THE PRODUCTION SEASON

Abstract

Wheat is one of the most important agricultural commodities worldwide, playing a significant role in food security and the agricultural economy. The increasing demand for wheat requires improvements in production efficiency and cost management, particularly through the adoption of modern irrigation technologies. This study aims to analyze production costs and economic efficiency in wheat farms using sprinkler irrigation in Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq, and to determine the optimal allocation of production inputs through the long-run cost function approach. The study uses data collected from 50 wheat farms to examine land ownership, water sources, irrigation systems, production inputs, agricultural operations, harvesting, and marketing activities. The findings indicate that 64% of farmers own their agricultural land, while 36% rent it. Regarding irrigation water sources, 56% of farmers use river water and 44% rely on well water. National electricity is the primary power source for sprinkler irrigation, used by 76% of farmers, while 24% depend on alternative sources such as generators and fuel. The average purchase price of sprinkler equipment, including pipes, reaches approximately 1,500,000 Iraqi dinars, representing a considerable initial investment. The analysis also shows that improved seeds are used by all farmers, while compound fertilizer and urea are used by 96% and 94% of farmers, respectively. Furthermore, all farmers rely on rented harvesting equipment, highlighting the additional costs associated with agricultural machinery. These findings suggest that irrigation equipment, energy consumption, fertilizers, harvesting, and transportation are important components of wheat production costs. Therefore, optimizing production inputs, improving irrigation management, and controlling operational expenses are necessary to enhance economic efficiency and increase farm profitability. The study provides an economic basis for evaluating production costs and supporting more efficient resource allocation in sprinkler-irrigated wheat farming.