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Adoption of Organic Rice for Sustainable Development in Bangladesh

Shaikh Tanveer Hossain
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, 3-5-7, Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan

Hideki Sugimoto
Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7, Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan

Hideto Ueno
University Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 498 Ko, Hattanji, Matsuyama, Ehime 799-2424, Japan

Sheikh Mohammed Rafiul Huque
Department of Business Administration, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Bangladesh now needs to thank its soil health, environment and human health for the country being almost self-sufficient in rice production. The present study was undertaken to gain knowledge of the level of awareness by farmers and consumers regarding the status of organic rice, and knowledge of demand and marketing opportunities and limitations for organic rice in the country. The present study was highlighted the overall organic rice situation in Bangladesh, which is not yet well documented. The results also demonstrated that farmers and consumers are aware of the hazards of chemical compounds but have little knowledge about organic rice. The present study may open a new window for organic rice research and marketing (both local and export) for all stakeholders (including planners) and could succeed in the adoption of organic rice in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Awareness, Bangladesh, Export, Organic rice, Sustainable agriculture, Technology adoption.

Location: Sylhet district, Badedewli and Judhistipur villages in the Fencuganj upazilla, Noagao and Khanua villages in the South Surma upazilla), and in the Sunamganj district, Manikpur and Chanpur villages in the Chatak upazilla and Chonogao and Agunrayer gao in the Doarabazar upazilla

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Adoption of technology

Objectives:

The study was implemented with the following objectives: 1. It proposed to set benchmarks regarding existing organic rice production techniques and the identification of opportunities to increase the sustainability of Bangladesh’s organic rice production systems. 2. To evaluate the current situation regarding the awareness level of farmers and consumers in Bangladesh about organic rice. 3. To study the limitations and possibilities of exporting organic rice from Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The responding farmers were from mostly small land units of 0.41-1.0 ha and marginal farmers from 0.40 ha or less (BBS, 2004). Households were selected through a systematic random sampling technique, and male heads of household were interviewed. A questionnaire was set in the Bengali (native) language in accordance with the question-setting criteria suggested by Kerlinger (1973). The following data were collected independent variables for the individual (age, sex, education) and family (size and landholding) with dependent variables (awareness, available technology, opportunities and constraints). In contrast, a consumer questionnaire was created based on independent variables for individuals (age, sex, education, social status) with dependent variables (awareness and intention to buy organic rice). Marketing (local and export) opportunities and limitations were also assessed from discussion with farmers and rice businessmen. Farmer Questionnaire: The questionnaire methodologies are described in the following steps: Step 1: Selection of research location The studies were carried out in the Sylhet north-eastern districts of Bangladesh, during 2006-2007 with 100 farmers. Initially, rice producers in four villages (in every district, two upazilla (a new administrative unit, called upazilla, or subdivision, was created to facilitate decentralization of power), and in each upazilla, two villages) were selected. In the Sylhet district, Badedewli and Judhistipur villages in the Fencuganj upazilla, Noagao and Khanua villages in the South Surma upazilla), and in the Sunamganj district, Manikpur and Chanpur villages in the Chatak upazilla and Chonogao and Agunrayer gao in the Doarabazar upazilla were selected. The study focused on soil, crop and water management, weed control, crop nutrition, and socio–economic aspects. Step 2: Selection of participating farmers: Through a purposive random sampling technique, 100 farm households were selected. In addition, farm size and existing resources, number and area of interventions, awareness of the farmers, resource base and management capability of the farmers, easy accessibility to the households in all seasons, and other aspects were considered in selecting the participating farm households. The results of this questionnaire produced a view of each farmer’s awareness and understanding regarding organic rice production. A descriptive cum exploratory research instrument was created, the data were analyzed, and relationships between the variables were examined. Consumer questionnaire: Objectives were to discover the awareness-level of rice consumers about organic rice. Data were collected from 50 rice consumers in the capital, Dhaka City. Consumers were randomly selected (interviewed the consumers in the open places as random basis) for this study. It classified those who responded into three groups based on monthly income: poor (income less than 5000 Taka), middle class (5000 Taka to 15000 Taka) and rich (15000 Taka to more). Of the 50 consumers, 20 were males and 30 were females. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with statistical techniques like frequency distribution, cross-tabulations and chi square testing using the SPSS package, v. 10.0.

Source of Information: Journal of Organic Systems – Vol.2 No.2, 2007 ISSN 1177-4258

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/Vol_2(2)/pdf/27-37%20Tanveer%20Hossain%20et%20al%20%20JOS%20(modified).pdf

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The current study, although the level of awareness about organic rice was low, did reveal that both farmers and consumers are aware of the toxic effect of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. With the introduction of organic rice cultivation technology and the assurance of some relevant factors (like price and quality), it expect an increase in the marketing of organic rice in both domestic and overseas market. Like some private companies in Asian countries that are exporting organic rice, Bangladeshi primate companies also have the scope of expanding this export in the international area. Finally, it would like to make some recommendations for enhancing the adoption of organic rice in Bangladesh. 1. Usually by wind and irrigation, chemical compounds are brought to organic plots from neighboring fields. Hence, the formation of groups by organic rice farmers or community farmers` group is very important. 2. Ensure the market price and organic rice farmers production cost. 3. From a discussion and consideration of other social factors, it recommend that rich and big farms rather than small households initiate organic rice farming because of the latter’s present food insecurity. 4. On-farm trials, field days, and farmers’ participatory research and extensions could play a vital role in enhancing a build-up in farmers` capacities. 5. Primarily, organic rice cultivation and exports can emphasize traditional fine and aromatic rice. 6. A research institute should pay attention to finding new technology such as an alternate organic fertilizer source (as cow dung needs a large volume), post-harvest and storage methods of an organic way and green manure seed production. 7. An organic certification authority needs to be established on the basis of international standards. Of course, for local marketing certification is not mandatory. 8. Media (both electronic-television and radio and print-newspapers) can play important roles in increasing awareness of farmers and consumers.

Knowledge Management: Journal