Production function

Production function

    • Production function expresses the relationship between the inputs (X) used in the production process for producing output (Y). To cultivate a crop, the farmer uses fixed and variable inputs. Fixed inputs are those inputs whose level is fixed for a production period irrespective of the area under a crop. Ex: machinery, implements, buildings etc. Variable inputs: are those inputs whose level could be varied during a production period with a view to maximize the yield from the crop cultivated. Eg:- fertilizer, seeds, etc.
    • Production function could be expressed in the algebraic form as;
    Y = f (X), where, Y = Yield of a crop, X = inputs used for cultivating the crop
    Y = f (Xi / Xi+1, Xi+2……), Xi = variable inputs i =1,2…n; Xi+1, Xi+2.. – fixed inputs
    Y = f (X1 / X2, X3, ..Xi, Xi+1, Xi+2……), X1 = variable input; X2, ..Xi, Xi+1, Xi+2 = fixed inputs
    Short-run and Long-run production functions
    • Short run is a period where some of the inputs are fixed. In the long run all the inputs are variable (no fixed inputs, the level of all inputs could be altered in this time frame). Therefore, production function in which some inputs are fixed is termed as short run production function and those input-output relations wherein all inputs could be varied is termed as long run production functions.

Last modified: Friday, 22 June 2012, 4:30 AM