Optimizing Food Distribution: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Agricultural Economics

Understanding the relationship between wheat cost and the number of individuals that can be fed is crucial in agricultural economics. This article explores a practical scenario where the cost of wheat affects food distribution over different time periods. By applying basic principles of cost-effectiveness analysis, we can optimize resource allocation to achieve the maximum benefit.

Scenario Overview

Imagine a scenario where 60 men can be fed for 15 days when the cost of wheat is Rs 3.90 per kg. This study will calculate the equivalent number of individuals who can be fed for 45 days at a reduced wheat cost of Rs 3 per kg, while maintaining the same overall expenditure.

Step-by-Step Analysis

Initial Calculation

To begin, let's calculate the total cost of feeding 60 men for 15 days at Rs 3.90 per kg of wheat.

We define the amount of wheat required per man per day as x kg.

Therefore, the total wheat required for 60 men for 15 days 60 men x 15 days x x kg/man/day 90 kg

The cost of wheat at Rs 3.90 per kg 90 kg x 3.90 Rs/kg 351 Rs

Given that the total cost is Rs 3510 (assuming x 1), we can calculate the total expenditure in terms of x.

Cost and Requirement Calculation

Now, let's determine the number of men that can be fed for 45 days at Rs 3 per kg of wheat, with the same total cost of Rs 3510.

Let y be the number of men that can be fed for 45 days.

Therefore, the total wheat required for y men for 45 days y men x 45 days x x kg/man/day 45yx kg

The cost of this wheat at Rs 3 per kg 45yx kg x 3 Rs/kg 135yx Rs

Setting the two costs equal to each other:

3510 135yx

Solving for y