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Constraints on Turnaround Time in Bangladesh: a Regional Study – Report #4: Linear Programming Solutions

Alastir W Orr
Overseas Development Administration, UK,
Economics Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Noel P. Magor
Farming Systems Specialist, BRRI/IRRI Project, and Rice Farming Systems Division, BRRI
Economics Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The report describes linear programming model of labour and drught power constraints during turnaround time between aus and T. aman. Data for the model was collected by a field survey in the BRRI project Area in 1985 which covered a total of 98 farms. Despite its limitations, the basic model captured the dominant cropping pattern (modern aus –local aman) and also clearly demonstrated the existence of a draught power constraint in late August during land preparation for T. aman after the harvest of modern aus. The model was used to test various strategies to reduce this constraint. Individually, all the strategies were found to increase both the area under modern varieties and aggregate yields. The model suggests that, without mechanization, new varieties can increase the area under modern aus from the present level of 50% to about 80%, however, either minimum tillage or power tillers are necessary. The model suggests that, combined with new varieties, power tillers can be increased from the present level of 12% to about 93% of the total aus area. Minimum tillage also increased the area of modern aus to about 90% and, in addition, gave higher aggregate yields because it allowed earlier aman transplanting.

Keywords: Linear programming model, Draught power, Labour, Turnaround time, Modern aus, Transplanted aman

Location: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Start Date: 00-00-1985

End Date: 00-00-1985

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Rice

Objectives:

To construct a linear programming model of labour and draught power use during turnaround time between aus and T. aman

Methodology:

Linear programming requires little introduction, since the technique has been widely used to model the introduction of new technology on peasant farms (e.g. Barlow et al. 1983; Low, 1975). Essentially, a linear programming model has three components: an objective function, a set of activities, and a series of constraints. The objective function is simply the goal of the programme, whether it is to maximize output or revenue, or minimize costs. The activities represent the range of production possibilities open to the farmer. Finally, the constraints are economic resources whose supply is limited, namely, land, labour and capital. Programming is simply the name for a mathematical technique which chooses the optimal mix of activities subject to the limiting constraints. In this section, we describe how we defined each of these three components in our linear programming model of turnaround time.

Source of Information: Report # 4: Linear programming solutions, Economics Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The model captured the dominant cropping pattern of modem aus-local aman, and clearly demonstrated the existence of a draught power constraint at the end of August when land is prepared for T. aman after the harvest of modern aus. The purpose of the model was to compare the impact of seven strategies to reduce this draught power constraint and increase the area under modern aus and modern T. aman. These were:

1. Improved ploughs

2. Power tillers

3. Minimum tillage

4. Extending the BRI-BRII pattern

5. Direct seeded modern aus

6. Short duration modern aus

7. Short duration T. aman

The results of these seven strategies are summarized. Two approaches should be followed to reduce resource constraints on turnaround time. First, new varieties are essential, and the model shows their introduction will increase the area of modern aus and far above present level. Second, to further increase the area under modern aus, it will be necessary to reduce the constraint on draught power, either by introducing minimum tillage or by supplementing animal power with power tillers.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings