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The Impacts of Agricultural Mechanization on Rice Production in Bangladesh

M. A. Satter
Associate Professor
Deptt. of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh-2202.

B. K. Bala
Professor
Deptt. of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh-2202.

S. M. Farouk
Professor
Deptt. of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh-2202.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This paper addresses the issue of agricultural mechanization in Bangladesh. The System Dynamics Simulation Technique has been applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the agricultural mechanization policies showing its contributions in terms of rice production and employment generation. The simulated results show that a policy of tractorization along with green revolution has the potentiality to increase the internal rice production by about one and a half times of the present level of 17-18 million tons, as well as to maintain the highest rural employment. The results of the simulated policies are valuable guides for making rational choices amongst available alternatives and can be used as a tool in the planning of sustainable development.

Keywords: Impacts, Agricultural Mechanization, Rice, Production, Bangladesh

Location: Deptt. of Farm Power & Machinery, BAU, Mymensingh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Rice

Objectives:

To address the issues of green revolution and green revolution with tractorization for their impacts on rice production in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Agricultural mechanization itself is a complex system influenced by social, economical and technological elements. Computer modelling of such complex systems based on the system dynamics methodology is the most appropriate technique to analyze the complex dynamic behaviors of the system and to assess the impact of alternative policies under certain sets of conditions. The major feedback loops of the agricultural mechanization system in Bangladesh is shown. The system is a complex one consisting of several positive and negative feedback loops and the decision processes influencing them. The model is divided into five sub-models and these are the (1) population sub-model. (2) Employment and migration sub-model (3) Rice production and consumption sub-model (4) Cattle population sub-model and (5) Agricultural mechanization sub-model. In Bangladesh rice production alone comprises 77% of all agricultural activity, provides occupation for 55% of the total labour force and contributes 27% of the gross domestic product (GOP). The production of rice depends on cultivable land, irrigation facility, availability of fertilizer, seed varieties, agricultural labour, draught power, price of rice, etc. It is also subjected to the adverse effects of drought & flood and pest attacks. All these factors have been incorporated in this model. Cattle is the major source of draught power in Bangladesh. As the cattle population increases the number of draught animals increases which Increases the draught power availability and influences rice production through increased power and timeliness in operations. The shortage in draught power is supplemented by tractors. The incorporation of tractor in agriculture is influenced by the tractorization policy, capital and/ or credit availability, awareness of the farmers and the discard rate of tractors. Both the levels of animal and tractors influence the availability of draught power and hence the rice production. Operation, maintenance and marketing of tractors create jobs and influence the employment. Irrigation is a major component of the Green Revolution. The expansion of acreage and yield of high-yield-variety (HYV) of rice depend on irrigation. It is influenced by the number of irrigation pumps and area covered by each pump. The number of pumps depend on the pump addition and discard rates, expansion policy and capital or credit availability. Operation, maintenance and marketing of pumps create job and influence employment. Thus both tractor and irrigation pump influence the production of rice and employment in Bangladesh.

Source of Information: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh; Agricultural Engineering Division, Vol, 24/AE, No.1, 1-9, Dec. 1996

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The simulation results show clearly that the present seed-fertilizer-water production strategies, if adopted intelligently with a transparent draught power policy to supplement the draught power shortage, will add about 8 million tons of food grains over the present 17-18 million tons level. Draught power availability and requirement need very careful assessment. Draught power deficit alone is restrictive for other production inputs and seriously limits production. Tractor incorporation in rice land also has its limit and therefore, it is not considered to be a replacement of draught animals. Both tractors and draught animals have to play their roles side by side and the extent for the need of the both has to be determined so that each can contribute its own share in the production of rice.

Knowledge Management: Journal