Convergence of Productivity and Technical Efficiency of the Soybean: Empirical Analysis Using Panel Unit Root Tests

Abstract

This study measured the Malmquist index, technical efficiency, and technological change related to the production of soybeans in an area of Japan and examined whether productivity converged in each area. The speed of the convergence was also measured. The Malmquist index measurement showed that Hokkaido was stable, but production in other areas was greatly unstable. Using five kinds of panel unit root tests, it was revealed that convergence occurred in every area according to all indexes. In other words, it was suggested that each area converged depending on the production environment.