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Wheat Production in North West Region of Bangladesh

Dr. Md Masumur Rahman
Deputy Commissioner, Patuakhali, Bangladesh

M.G. Miah
Professor
Dept. of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes of wheat production technologies and yield over time and to explore and analyze the opinion of the traditional and agro-forestry-based wheat-growing farmers during November 2014 to March 2015. The study was conducted at the northwest region in Dinajpur sadar and Kaharul Upazilas in the Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. These areas were selected considering the high concentrations of wheat cultivation. One hundred and sixty wheat farmers were selected by using previously pre-tested interview schedules adopting multi-stage proportionate systematic random sampling technique. Most of the farmers of the study area had reported using recommended varieties, optimum planting time and spacing, fertilizer doses and method of application. They also reported to irrigate their fields at an inappropriate time and do other management practices as and when necessary. Despite, farmers were not much aware on seed treatment and disease management of wheat. In order to get higher economic return and to avoid crop failure, some innovative farmers were found to practice mango and litchi-based agroforestry systems in association with wheat. These systems were also reported to conserve soil moisture by reducing air temperature and adding organic matter by decomposing tree leaves. The major points or suggestions were instance availability of good seed including drought-tolerant varieties, availability of inputs at affordable prices especially irrigation water at reduced prices, improved management practices particularly disease management, credit with low rate of interest, improved marketing facilities and good prices of wheat during peak season. Based on the findings of the study it could be recommended to continue the present efforts of developing new varieties and technologies in view of future changing scenario of the climate of Northwest region of Bangladesh and train up the wheat growers accordingly.

Keywords: Production technology, Wheat, Agroforestry, Bangladesh

Location: Northwest region in Dinajpur sadar and Kaharul upazilas in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-11-2014

End Date: 00-03-2015

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Wheat

Objectives:

1. To investigate the changes of wheat production technologies and yield over time under the changing scenarios in the study area

2. To explore the wheat production in agro-forestry and traditional systems.

Methodology:

The study was conducted among randomly selected 160 wheat farmers in two upazilas namely, Dinajpur sadar and Kaharul under Dinajpur district of Bangladesh based on highly concentrated wheat growing areas. It is done to determine the changes of wheat production technologies in agro-forestry and traditional systems during November 2014 to March 2015. For collecting primary data at the household level, a pre-designed interview schedule was developed with a balanced combination of both closed and open-ended questions, and the same was pre-tested before finalization. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques like Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Direct Observation and case study were also applied for triangulation of data. In order to collect relevant information from the wheat farmers, three sets of instruments (interview schedules) were carefully designed keeping the objectives of the study in view. Interviewer effect such as assuming the meaning of response was then kept to a minimum (Hammersley and Atkinson, 1983). The selected variables were farmer’s knowledge level, use of the recommended seed, varieties, sowing time, methods of sowing. It also measured Average area (ha) coverage of balanced fertilizer and application method, irrigation, intercultural operation, plant protection, etc. Changes of wheat yield over time were also determined using secondary data from different sources. The SPSS package (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to perform data analysis. All the collected data were then checked and cross checked, compiled, coded and entered into the computer for analysis and interpretation using this software. Descriptive statistical measures like range, mean, number and percentage distribution, standard deviation were used to describe and interpret the data. Statistical measures like number, range, mean and standard deviation were calculated in describing the changes of wheat production technologies over time.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Administration and Management, Volume 15-27, January-June 2017

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Wheat is an integral part of the global food system including Bangladesh. Its consumption is also expanding, increasingly in developing countries, which now account for more than half of the global harvest. Shorter cultivation period and high energy content have made it a valuable cash crop for millions of people. In the context of high population growth rate, reduction of cultivable land and crop losses due to frequent climatic hazards, the livelihood situation of Bangladesh will be more acute in the coming years. Increased wheat production definitely will contribute to overcoming this situation. In respect of knowledge level, most of the farmers provided correct answer regarding high yielding varieties (82.5%), local varieties (81.25%), optimum planting time (83.13%), and irrigation scheduling (83.75%), while providing incorrect answer about heat-tolerant varieties (33.75%) and suitable fungicides for controlling disease (30.00). However, regarding changes in wheat production technology over time, for seed source, most of the wheat-growing area were found to cover by seed from WRC while previously they had collected seed from BADC; for variety, major area of the selected farmers used “Prodiv” which was now replaced by BARI Gom-26, BARI Gom-27, BARI Gom-28; for planting time, major areas were planted in 5-14 November which now shifted to 15-30 November due to changing climate. Having good training, most of the respondents used line sowing instead of broadcasting for better intercultural operation. Nevertheless, due to continuous wheat cultivation, soil fertility status-declined drastically, therefore, the use of chemical fertilizers increased dramatically compared to 10 years back. The farmers of the study area were found to have well experienced in wheat cultivation due to close contact with WRC, therefore, the area covered by recommended irrigation scheduling increased fascinatingly compared to the previous 10 years. In addition, the practice of optimum weeding and control of pests and diseases increased notably compared to previous years to obtain a higher yield. Nevertheless, owing to the adoption of modern technology of wheat, yield increased almost twice the previous time.

Knowledge Management: Journal