Farm Economy

EFFECT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON CHILD NUTRITION IN BANGLADESH: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Rezoyana Kabir Rasha, Ripon Kumar Mandal, Mohammad Mizanul Haque Kazal — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

One of the most effective development strategies for improving child nutrition is women's empowerment. The key purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of women’s empowerment on child nutrition in Bangladesh. The data have been generated from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS), 2015 that was published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). The analysis included a total of 3275 observations. Primarily, the method of ordinary least squares (OLS) is applied to assess the impact of women’s empowerment on child nutrition. However, due to the limitations of the OLS, this relationship is estimated by using the instrumental variable regression. The data demonstrate that the child's height-for-age-z and weight-for-age-z scores are significantly and positively affected by the age of the household head, aggregate women empowerment score, gender parity gap, and food consumption score. As a result, it is apparent that as women's empowerment rises the nutritional status of their children also increases.

PRODUCTION POTENTIAL AND ECONOMICS OF BLACK GRAM-BORO RICE-FALLOW CROPPING SYSTEM IN OLD MEGHNA ESTUARINE FLOODPLAIN

M. Mohiuddin — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

An experiment was conducted at the farmers’ field of Old Meghna Estuarine Floodplain Soils under the Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) 19 at Nikli, Kishoreganj, for two consecutive years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to evaluate the performance of Black gram-Boro rice-Fallow improved cropping pattern against a farmer’s cropping pattern of Fallow- Boro rice-Fallow. Findings revealed that the mean crop durations of 185-189 days were required for one cycle in a year in an improved cropping pattern which implied that two crops based cropping pattern was agronomically feasible to replace the existing cropping pattern. Total grain yield in terms of rice equivalent yield (REY) of the improved cropping pattern was 9.742 t/ha/year which was 29.38% higher than that of the existing pattern (7.53 t/ha/year). The mean production efficiency of the improved cropping pattern (52.09 kg/ha/day) was 39% less than that of the existing pattern due to more time involved in the improved pattern and land-use efficiency of the improved cropping pattern (51.23%) which was 80% higher than that of existing cropping pattern due to less time involvement in existing cropping pattern. The gross return and gross margin were higher in the improved cropping pattern compared to the existing cropping pattern due to an additional yield of black gram and boro rice. Therefore, farmers in the Old Meghna Estuarine Floodplain region of Bangladesh could follow an alternate cropping pattern where lands remain fallow for 81-86 days after the floodwater receded for higher crop productivity and profitability.

PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF BORO RICE PRODUCTION IN FAVORABLE AND SUBMERGENCE ECOSYSTEMS OF TANGAIL DISTRICT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Md. Taj Uddin, Md. Kamruzzaman, Md. Masud Rana Sujon — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The present study was conducted to estimate the profitability and resource use efficiency of Boro rice production in two ecosystems of Tangail district. A total of 80 farmers were interviewed randomly for data collection through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques. Profitability analysis revealed that producing Boro rice resulted in the maximum profit for the farmers at submergence ecosystem compared to favorable ecosystem. The Cobb-Douglas production function analysis indicated that output of Boro rice was positively and significantly correlated with labor, seed, TSP and irrigation at favorable ecosystem. The study also found that inputs like labor, seed, power tiller, irrigation, urea and pesticide have significant influence on increasing Boro rice production at submergence ecosystem. Resource use efficiency analysis showed that farmers inefficiently used their inputs for Boro rice production. Following problem facing index (PFI), low price of paddy and lengthy water logging condition were the main problems faced by the farmers. The study recommended that proper training and extension support should be made available by the government and non-government organizations to enhance the profitability and to ensure the optimum use of resources in Boro rice production.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY OF SELECTED SPICES CROPS IN BANGLADESH

M.A. Rashid, M. Khatun, M.S. Rahman, M.U. Molla, M. Kamrul Hasan — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The study was undertaken to estimate the financial and economic returns and competitiveness of selected spices crops in Bangladesh. A total of 1620 spices growers from nine upazilas of three districts were randomly selected for the study. Domestic resource cost (DRC) was estimated for evaluating the comparative advantage of selected spices crops. The study revealed that the gross margins of producing selected spices crops were positive. However, highest gross margin was estimated for garlic (Tk 229568/ha) followed by green chilli (Tk 212002/ha) and onion (Tk.188389/ha). Comparatively low net return was calculated for onion (Tk 130179/ha) than other two spices crops. The highest benefit cost ratio was found for green chilli (1.83) followed by onion (1.74) and garlic (1.71). The estimates of DRC showed that Bangladesh had comparative advantage in onion and garlic production as these estimates were less than one implied that the production of onion and garlic would be highly efficient for import substitution. Again, DRC for green chilli was also less than unity implied that the production of green chilli would be efficient for export promotion. Responded farmers mentioned that low market price at harvesting time and market syndicate were the major constraints to spices production. The constraints include fertilizer not working properly due to adulterations, crisis of labour at harvesting time and high wage rate in the study areas. Government should take initiatives for ensuring reasonable price at harvesting time. Mechanization should be introduced to the farmers’ field for minimizing the labour crisis.

MARKETING AND VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF GINGER: A STUDY IN SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Md. Kamrul Hasan, Md. Ashiqul Islam, M. Kamrul Hasan — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Ginger is one of the most common and popular high value spice crop and is widely used both in medicinal and culinary purposes. The study was undertaken to determine marketing system, marketing cost, margin, efficiencies and to examine the value chain of ginger aiming at determining the value addition in different steps of ginger marketing. A purposive and simple random sampling procedure was used in selecting primary data. Four major marketing channels were identified for domestic produced ginger marketing. Channel-3 was the most important supply chain through which 48 percent domestic produced ginger reaches to consumers. Marketing margin and profit were the highest in retailer than those of other intermediaries. Six actors like; farmer, local trader, trader, commission agent, wholesaler, retailer and consumer are identified who are involved in the ginger value chain activities. Farmer added the highest amount of value per unit of ginger and that of the lowest in wholesalers. Eleven marketing problems were identified, among them price fluctuation, high transport cost and lack of loan facilities were the major problems. It is therefore, recommended that government intervention is urgently needed to stabilize the price of ginger, loan facilities should be provided to the intermediaries and transportation cost should be kept reasonable.

FACTORS OF ADOPTION AND FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON IMPROVED LENTIL VARIETY CULTIVATION IN BANGLADESH

M. A. Monayem Miah, M. A. Rashid, M. S. Rahman — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

For a sector to be successful in bringing innovation at the farm level, an understanding of potential adopters and the factors influencing their adoption decision is important. Hence, this study investigated the determinants of adoption and explored farmers’ perceptions on improved lentil variety cultivation at the farm level in Bangladesh. The study analyzed 360 household’s data collected from 240 improved lentil variety adopters and 120 non-adopters spread in the six lentil growing districts namely Faridpur, Magura, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Manikgonj, and Sirajganj. Along with descriptive statistics, the study used probit regression model for analyzing the data. About 71% of households adopted improved lentil varieties, and 29% used local cultivars. BARI Masur-8 was the highest adopted variety in the highly-intensive growing areas, whereas BARI Masur-6 and BARI Masur-4 were popular in the medium-intensive and low-intensive growing areas. Pulse training, profitability of production, farmers’ innovativeness, and farmer’s extension contact were the major factors of improved variety adoption. Most farmers wanted to increase improved lentil cultivation in the next year considering the higher yield and net benefits. On the contrary, a good proportion of lentil farmers also wanted to decrease lentil cultivation due to lack of suitable land, biotic and abiotic stresses, and seeds of improved variety.

DETERMINANTS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF PULSES CROP IN SOUTHERN CHAR LAND AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Assessing the determinants, challenges and opportunities of pulses crops in southern char land areas like -Madaripur, Shariatpur and Barishal was made through an extensive field survey during 2018-2019. The study showed that education, family members, farm size, experience, and training are the significant determinants of willingness to cultivate more pulses crop. The study revealed that pulses production is becoming challenging due to losses of agricultural char land, adverse climatic condition, lack of technological knowledge, attack of insect and diseases, lack of quality seeds, problems regarding marketing of pulses crop. But still there are lots of opportunities to grow more pulses with the fulfillment of the following criteria like proper utilization of fallow char land, use of flood or salt tolerant varieties, use of quality seed, adoption of new technology, and ensuring fair price of pulses crops.

PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY OF LOCAL CULTIVAR OF BRINJAL AND CHILLI IN CHATTOGRAM DISTRICT

M. Jamal Uddin — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The study was carried out in nine villages covering 110 farmers of Potha Begun and Halda Morich under Hathazari Upazila in Chattogram district to examine the productivity, profitability and perceptions to those cultivars. Results revealed that farmers used excessive fertilizer doses in both crops. The yield was recorded at 43.62 tons/ha for Potha Begun where the harvested yield loss was estimated at 7.29% due to infestation of pests and diseases. The yield of Halda Morich was found to be 7.94 tons/ha as green Chilli and 1.98 tons/ha as dried Chilli. The per kilogram average farm-gate price of Potha Begun was Tk.30.19, green Chilli Tk.42.8, and dried Chilli Tk.310.88. The gross margin was calculated Tk.848468 for Potha Begun and Tk.294628 for dried Chilli, and Tk.18,850 for green Chilli. The BCR was found to be 2.81 for Potha Begun and 1.92 for dried Chilli. The per kg cost of production was calculated Tk.15.32 for Potha Begun, Tk.45.63 for green Chilli, and Tk.182.9 for dried Chilli. Regular training of farmers on fertilizer and pest and disease management will increase its productivity.

AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN BANGLADESH: PERSPECTIVES ON KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Agroforestry is one of the sustainable land management techniques, involving a combination of different agricultural, horticultural, and forestry practices to maximize productivity and sustainability of land. In disadvantaged locations such as char lands, a well-planned interacting land use system incorporating woody perennials in line with the farmers' needs can lead to a successful and sustainable farming system to dwindle poverty and eventually improve the food security. Agroforestry practices can serve this purpose in developing agro-based economy like Bangladesh. This study therefore is undertaken to reveal the farmer’s knowledge on agroforestry practice, willingness to practice agroforestry and to examine the economic benefits of adoption of agroforestry. Following multistage random sampling technique, a total of 240 farm households were selected from certain char areas of Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Sherpur districts of Bangladesh. Socioeconomic characteristics of sample farmers were explored in terms of age, education, gender, farm experience, land ownership, etc. Farmers’ knowledge, willingness, and adoption level of agroforestry were also examined. The majority of the farmers in the survey are aware with agroforestry practices (65%), but just a handful have actually used them. The farmers who adopted agroforestry practices or interested to adopt, expect support (cash or kind) from project or government. The tree species under agroforestry include Akashi, Eucalyptus, Mahogani, Mango, Jackfruit, Guava, Lemon, and Coconut. Financial or investment analysis of agroforestry adoption was done for several combinations of trees and vegetables.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF SESAME PRODUCTION IN SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Syful Islam, M. Mosharraf Uddin Molla, M. Habibur Rahman, Razia Sultana — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Sesame is very important in Bangladesh to ensure the self-sufficiency in oilseed production. The main purposes of this study were to explore the financial returns of sesame. The principal objectives of this study were to determine the level of input use, cost and return and major problems of sesame cultivation. In total 405 data were collected from three major sesame growing areas of Bangladesh through stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and profitability model were used to analyze the collected data. The study revealed that total variable cost of sesame cultivation was Tk. 33233 ha^-1. The total cost of production was Tk. 59621 ha^-1where 44% was fixed costs and 56% was variable cost. The average gross return and gross margin of sesame cultivation were found Tk. 90044 ha^-1 and Tk. 56811 ha^-1, respectively. Per hectare average net return was Tk. 30423 which was found to be highest in Jashore (Tk. 36817) followed by Barishal (Tk. 28479) and Tangail (Tk. 25975). BCR was found 1.51, which was the highest in Jashore 1.57 and lowest was 1.47 in Tangail district. The first constraint to oilseed sesame variety in all areas was the lack of quality seeds at appropriate time. Other problems were insect infestation (37%) followed by water logging condition (22%), adulterated seed & fertilizer (13%), labour crisis at harvesting time (10%), lack of training facilities and low market price (9%). This study helps to formulate appropriate policy to stakeholders, researchers and policy makers for increasing oilseed production of the country due to its high yield potential and profitability.

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

M. Sayedur Rahman, Pradip Hajong — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

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.

COMPARING THE PROFITABILITY OF TWO NEW VARIETIES OF POTATO: EVIDENCE FROM MUNSHIGANJ DISTRICT

Mohammad Saidur Rahman, Ayesha Akhter, R.A. Juice, M. Asraf Mahmud Hasif — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The overarching goal of the study was to examine the profitability of two new varieties of potato production using evidence from the Munshiganj district. The sample size for this study was purposefully set at 60 from various income categories. In March and April of 2019, data were collected through a farm survey utilizing a pre-tested questionnaire. According to the study, the gross and net returns from Diamant variety of potato were higher than those from Algure potato. The benefit-cost ratio of Diamant potato was higher than that of Algure potato. On the basis of total cost, average per ha cost was estimated at Tk.137317 and Tk.102289 for Diamant and Algure potato respectively. Net return from Diamant potato was Tk.43164 per ha and from Algure potato was Tk.26479 per ha. In case of producing Diamant, BCR was 1.31 and for the Algure potato production it was 1.25 on full cost basis. Farmers age, education level, farm size played a positive role in increasing net return for both Diamant and Algure potato. Family size had negative influence on both variety and year of farming experience had positive influence on Diamant potato and negative effect on Algure potato. The study estimated several technical, economic, marketing, and social issues that impede the expansion of potato production due to its high demand, such as a lack of good quality seed and fertilizers, insufficient funds, high input costs, a lack of adequate cold storage facilities, loss of production due to theft, and so on. Finally, well-planned management training tailored to their challenges, requirements, goals, and resources can lead to the development of successful production techniques and long-term income from potato farming in the study area.

ROLE OF MICROFINANCE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM RURAL BANGLADESH

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Microfinance programs are being considered as an important development strategy all over the world especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Different studies focused on benefit of microfinance in rural development, but none explored the actual impact of microfinance in women empowerment. Thus, this study focused on the actual impact of microfinance on women empowerment in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 60 women beneficiaries from Grameen Bank, BRAC and ASA by face-to-face interview during June-July 2020. This study used average method and frequency distribution to construct women empowerment index in Bangladesh. The findings of the study reveal that the socio-economic condition and empowerment status of the respondents’ female borrowers of microfinance was not satisfactory level. Only 18.3% respondents utilize the loan money herself and the other 81.7% respondents give the money to their husband. Additionally, in the study area microfinance services only help the rural women to improve their decision-making ability and it does not help to achieve other domains of empowerment.