Estimation of Crop Yield Distribution: Implication for Crop Engineering Risk

Abstract

In this paper we use parametric and nonparametric density estimation procedures to evaluate crop yield distributions in Yunnan province. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) is used to select a proper crop yield distribution. Maximum likelihood methods are explored to obtain reliable estimates. Furthermore, we propose a standard measure of crop engineering risk that is based on the expected loss of crop yield. Four major crops in Yunnan province based on pooled data over the period 1952-2009 are studied, and crop risks are analyzed.