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Khagrachari Homestead Vegetables Production Model: a Means of Household Food and Nutrition Security for the Hilly Farmers of Bangladesh

S. Hossain
Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari, Bangladesh

N. Chakma
Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari, Bangladesh

M. Salim
Hill Tracts Agricultural Research Station, Ramghar, Khagrachari, Bangladesh

M. S. Noman
Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari, Bangladesh

M.M. Ullah
Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The agricultural productivity in the hilly region is generally low compared to the plain land. Poverty and malnutrition is one of the most important problems in Bangladesh. Human nutrition of hilly people can be improved through supplying vegetables in their diet. Supply of vegetables can be assured for the small and marginal farmers by producing diversified vegetables in their homestead area. A model (eight different vegetables in three beds) for year round homestead vegetable production in the hills was developed by Hill Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Khagrachari, called ‘Khagrachari model’ where intakes of vegetables by the farmers were increased from 40 to 152g/head/day. This model of homestead vegetable gardening provides vegetables throughout the year and meets the demand of vegetables and nutrients of the farm families. Therefore, for up scaling and disseminating this technology to different areas of hill districts, the study was undertaken during January 2012 to December 2013. The technology was disseminated to 19 groups of farmers involving 190 farmers from Khagrachari Sadar, 40 from Dighinala, 10 from Panchari, 35 from Mohalchari. Likewise, two groups consisting of 10 farmers from Longudu and Baghichari upazilla of Rangamati. The average yield 161.01 & 166.53kg were obtained in 2012 and 2013 whereas the average nutrition was found as Protein 42.36 & 43.87g; Vitamin A 144293.09 & 149387.85 I.U; Vitamin C 752.74 & 779.29mg; Calcium 2312.67 & 2398.65mg; and Iron 61.68 & 66.09mg in the year 2012 and 2013 respectively. The average disposal for self consumption, for relatives and for sell was 120.33 & 110.93kg; 11.84 & 12.83 kg; 28.83 & 42.76 kg in the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. It was found that farmers were interested to accept this model and it was the new dimension at the hill farming system. They were happy to get the essential vegetables from this model as when they wanted.

Keywords: Homestead, Vegetables, Food, Nutritional security, Hilly farmers

Location: Khagrachari sadar, Mohalchari, Dighinala and Panchari upazila of Khagrachari district and Longodu and Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati district

Start Date: 00-01-2012

End Date: 00-12-2013

Program Area: Farming System

Non-commodity: Income generation

Objectives:

1. The study was under taken to Upscaling and adoption of Khagrachari Model by a large number of farmers in six upazila of Khagrachari and Rangamati districts for improving their income and livelihood through homestead vegetables growing.

Methodology:

The study was implemented in Khagrachari sadar, Mohalchari, Dighinala and Panchari upazila of Khagrachari district and Longodu and Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati district following farmers-participatory approach. Farmers groups, each with participation of 5-7 farmers was organized and trained on adopting the model. In Khagrachari district, there were 19 groups of farmers involving about 190 farmers from Khagrachari sadar, 40 from Dighinala, 10 from Panchari and 35 from Mohalchari were selected. Likewise, 2 groups were consisting of 10 farmers from Longodu and Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati district. After selection, the farmers were trained and motivated to utilize their own resources to adopt the Khagrachari vegetables model. For piloting Khagrachari model of homestead vegetables production in the hill 36 m2 areas for each farmer was selected. This unit of land was fragmented into three beds. Bed size was 5 m x 1.3 m. Bed to bed distant was 50cm. Each farmer prepared 3 beds to accommodate 3 cropping sequences in his/her garden. Eight different vegetables were cultivated under this model. Varieties of different vegetables used in this model such as Rai shak, Red amaranth, Pumpkin shak were local varieties and other vegetables were BARI Pani kachu 2, BARI Danta 2, BARI Puishak 2, BARI Mula 1 and BARI Gima Kolmi 1. Farmers’ homestead available resources, needs and choice assessment were done with active participation of the family members (both male and female) through discussion. Vegetables patterns were selected based on farmer’s choice and preference. However, new varieties and crops were also included after getting consent from farmers. HARS, Khagrachari supplied the critical inputs like vegetables seed/seedlings, net (for fencing), watering cane, spades etc. The seeds were also supplied on free of cost to the farmers as and when necessary while farmers provided all kinds of labor. Farmers were encouraged to use organic manures from their own sources in the gardens. Inorganic fertilizer for N, P and K were applied in each crop at recommended rates. Irrigation was applied as and when necessary. Insects were controlled mainly by mechanical means unless there were severe infestations. The data on total production and disposal patterns along with other qualitative data per homestead were collected and documented in a register. For the dissemination of technology field visit, monitoring, group leader discussion were arranged and colored signboard were distributed among the farmers and DAE/NGO personnel.

Source of Information: BANGLADESH RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL; ISSN: 1998-2003, Volume: 10, Issue: 3, Page: 255-262, November - December, 2014

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Farmers were happy with the Khgarachari model of homestead vegetables production and it was the new dimension for hill farming system. They were happy to get the essential vegetables from this model as when they wanted and their intake of vegetables were increased about four times than before. Due to practice of the home gardening, the intake of vegetables by the farmers was increased about four times which supplied the farmers’ food nutrition. Farmers also earned a small amount of cash income by selling vegetables after meeting their daily requirement. So, Khagrachari homestead model of vegetables production played an important role to the hilly farmers for improving their livelihood.

Knowledge Management: Journal