JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Soleymanipour A, Bagheri A, Mohammadi D. Analysis of Comparative Advantage and Water Use Efficiency in Quinoa Cultivation under Water Scarcity Conditions in Isfahan Province. jwss 2026; 30 (2) :79-91
URL: http://jstnar.iut.ac.ir/article-1-4532-en.html

The water crisis and climatic conditions in Iran have necessitated prioritizing low water-demand crops in agricultural investment policies. Quinoa, as a pseudo-cereal with relatively low water requirements, can be considered a suitable alternative to water-intensive crops. This study was conducted to investigate the comparative advantage of quinoa production compared to water-intensive crops under water-scarce conditions in Isfahan Province. To assess comparative advantage, two indicators—Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) and Social Cost-Benefit Ratio (SCB)—were employed. Data were collected through questionnaires and governmental sources, and shadow prices of inputs and outputs were utilized in the analyses. The statistical population consisted of quinoa producers. The results indicated that quinoa possesses a comparative advantage in Isfahan Province. The breakeven yield of this crop was estimated at 653 kg/ha, meaning that production above this level indicates the existence of a comparative advantage. Furthermore, the maximum allowable water consumption to maintain this advantage was estimated at 15,792 m³/ha; water consumption exceeding this amount eliminates the comparative advantage of quinoa cultivation. Additionally, the economic water productivity of quinoa was evaluated to be higher than that of other common crops in the region. Overall, considering comparative advantage of quinoa and its higher water productivity compared to common water-intensive crops, this product has the necessary potential to be included in the cropping pattern of Isfahan Province. However, recommendations for complete substitution require targeted and multidimensional policy interventions at technological, marketing, and policy-making levels, as well as conducting complementary research on the analysis and development of the quinoa value chain and market, investigating consumer behavior, designing targeted supportive policies for the transition period, and conducting a more comprehensive analysis of the comparative advantage of other products.