Energy use Pattern in Cotton and Groundnut Production in the Gezira Scheme, Gezira State, Sudan

Abstract

This research examines the energy use patterns and energy input–output analysis of cotton, and groundnut in the Gezira Scheme which is the largest irrigated scheme in Sudan. Inputs and energy sources were determined by a face to face questionnaire applied to 200 farmers. For the cotton crop, the inputs and output energy were calculated as 27659.28MJ/ha and 28084MJ/ha, respectively. Fertilizer was the highest input (62.29%), followed by water (28.10%). Energy efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and water productivity were 1.01, 0.09kg/MJ,11.62MJ/kg, 0.31kg/m3, respectively. For the groundnut crop, the inputs and output energy were calculated as10222.83MJ/ha and 67372MJ/ha, respectively. Water was the highest input (72.25%), followed by seeds (8.56%). Energy efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and water productivity were 6.59, 0.40kg/MJ,2.51MJ/kg, 0.29kg/m3, respectively.it could be concluded that these crops are heavily dependent on nonrenewable energy.