Abstract:
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(En)
Price and yield are major determinants of plantation profitability. Both vary greatly between plantations. Yields range from less than 30t/ha to more than 50t/ha. Average return per carton varies by at least $3 (author's estimate) in any month between plantations and more over a year because of different peaks of production. The plantation makes a gross margin of $45 000 at 50t/ha rattoon yields and a gross price of $17/carton. At $13/carton a loss of $8000 results. At yields of 30t/ha a loss is made event $17/carton demonstrating the importance of both yield and price. At the 30t/ha yield the break even price required to cover growing and marketing costs is $17.00/carton gross. Break even is reduced to $13.50 per carton when production is increased to een costed at labourers rates, so the owner has already drawn a wage of $19 200 per owner working on the plantation.
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