The study examines the full cost of producing sweet potatoes by analysing every stage, from preparing seedlings and cultivating the crop to harvesting, packaging, and transporting it. Using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), a method that tracks all expenses across the life cycle of a product, the researchers were able to clearly identify how resources are used and which steps require the most financial effort. This detailed approach helps show the complete economic picture behind sweet potato farming.
The findings reveal that the highest expenses come from day-to-day operational activities rather than long-term investments. Field work such as soil preparation, planting, irrigation, weed management, and pest control forms the largest share of total costs. Post-harvest activities like washing, sorting, and packaging also add significantly. Together, these stages account for more than 70% of all costs, while spending on equipment and infrastructure remains relatively small, showing that this crop relies mainly on labour and materials rather than machinery.
The study also compares organic and conventional farming. Although organic crops produce lower yields, they can still achieve higher profits because organic sweet potatoes sell at higher prices and require fewer chemical inputs. At the same time, changes in production levels strongly affect profitability in both systems, especially conventional ones. By breaking down all costs clearly, the research offers practical guidance that can help farmers improve efficiency, reduce waste, and make more sustainable decisions.
Case study authors: Tudor Stanciu, Ionela Mituko Vlad, Gina Fîntîneru
Faculty of Management and Rural Development, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest
Read more about the case study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/11/1338
