Iran-Water Resources Research

Iran-Water Resources Research

Economic valuation of water for selected crops in the comprehensive cropping pattern plan in Dehloran County

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Research Division of Natural Resources, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ilam, Iran
10.22034/iwrr.2026.550086.2959
Abstract
Efficient use of water resources is one of the main goals of the National Cropping Pattern Plan. For this reason, estimating the economic value of water for the crops listed in the plan is important for improving water pricing policies in agriculture. In this study, field data were collected through interviews with 100 farmers in the region, using stratified sampling, during the 2023–2024 farming year. The economic value of water was calculated for wheat, canola, barley, watermelon, and potatoes using parametric methods and production functions, including linear, translog, and transcendental functions. Based on econometric tests and classical assumptions, the translog production function was identified as the most suitable. The results showed that the economic value of water for each crop was 26,799, 44,525, 21,926, 39,461, and 40,756 rials, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the current water fees paid by farmers in Dehloran. The findings highlight the need to reform agricultural water pricing policies. This includes gradually increasing the water fees paid by farmers so that the price of water comes closer to its true economic value, thereby strengthening the cropping pattern plan and promoting more efficient use of water in agriculture.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 March 2026

  • Receive Date 29 September 2025
  • Revise Date 24 February 2026
  • Accept Date 20 March 2026