PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF ELEPHANT FOOT YAM PRODUCTION IN SELECTED AREAS OF SOUTH WESTERN BANGLADESH

Profitability and resource use efficiency of elephant…

Abstract

The study was conducted in Jashore, Kushtia and Satkhira areas during 2017-18 to determine profitability and resource use efficiency of elephant foot yam as well as to identify the constraints to elephant foot yam production. A total of 150 samples taking 50 samples from each district were randomly selected for data collection. Tabular and statistical analyses were done. Findings revealed that majority farmers were used Madrazi variety of elephant foot yam and inputs use were differed from area to area. Cobb-Douglas production function model reveals that labour, ploughing, zinc and irrigation had positive effect on yield. The average yield of elephant foot yam was 26.87 t/ha. The average cost of production was estimated at Tk.444508/ha on the basis of full cost. The average gross return, gross margin and net return were found to be Tk.740486/ha, Tk.331269/ha and Tk.295978/ha, respectively. Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was found to be 1.64 on total cost basis. According to returns and BCR, elephant foot yam production was found to be profitable in the study areas. Farmers faced some constraints which hampered yield. The major constraints were lack of improved production technology and attack of viral and fungal diseases. So, research thrust should be given to develop improved variety and to control pest and diseases for higher production of this important medicinal and high value crop.