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Crop Diversification in Bangladesh: Constraints and Potentials

Mohammad Monirul Islam
PhD fellow (2011/12), IBS
University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Md. Elias Hossain
Professor
Department of Economics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study is an effort to analyze the present situation of crop diversification in Bangladesh using secondary data. Required data were collected from various issues of government of the country. Simpson index and Rice Share index of crop diversification have been used to calculate the nature and extent of crop diversity in Bangladesh. The study found that slightly more than half of the gross crop area grows crops twice in a cropping year. Yield and production of different crops, especially cereal crops, except few cash and minor crops, have increased by almost three folds in last four decades due to technological advancement. However, crop sector’s contribution to GDP is in a decreasing trend. Cropping intensity has been increasing since the independence of the country. Rice share in gross crop area has been decreasing at a snail's pace. Still rice share in gross crop area is more than three fourth of gross crop area. Value of Simpson index of crop diversification has been increasing slowly since 1971. Simpson index value indicates Bangladesh is a mediocre diversified country and Rajshahi division is more diversified region in Bangladesh. Index value also indicates small farmers’ practices crop diversification more than that of other types of farmers. The study also found price and yield variability, existing marketing system, present irrigation system and water management system are the few prominent hindrances in the way of crop diversification. By minimizing the reported impediments crop diversification can be enhanced substantially that would lead to increase the potential of employment generation and earnings of the rural people in the country.

Keywords: Crop diversification, Explore problems, Prospect of crop diversification, Bangladesh.

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Profitability, Constraints, Agriculture

Objectives:

This study concentrates to i) compute the level of crop diversification in Bangladesh ii) explore problems and prospects of crop diversification in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Measurement of Crop Diversification Index: This study has computed the level crop diversification in Bangladesh. To measure the level of crop diversification there are different types of measurement indexes like Simpson index, Entropy index, Herfindahl index, Ogive index etc. Benin et al (2004), Chand (1996), Pandey and Sharma (1996) have used these indices in their studies. Each method has some limitation and/or superiority over the other (Shiyani, 1998). We have used the Simpson Index (SI) of crop diversification which has been used extensively in various studies. Other than the Simpson index of crop diversification, we have also used Rice share index (RI), rice acreage, to measure the level of crop diversification. Rice share index has been used by Metzel and Ateng (1993). Data and Sources of Data: The study has used 40 years time series crops acreage, yield and production data, which were collected from various issues of the Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics in Bangladesh, Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Economic Survey, Bangladesh Census of Agriculture and Livestock. In addition, various related published and unpublished issues of the government and non-government organizations of Bangladesh, websites were consulted for secondary data and supporting literature. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the present state of crop diversification in Bangladesh. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used to justify the research objectives.

Source of Information: Report on Secondary Crops and Poverty Alleviation in Bangladesh

Article Link (Online Journal): https://bea-bd.org/site/images/pdf/057.pdf

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Crop diversification is a contemporary issue in the field of agriculture as it is an effective strategy of reducing risk of yield and price volatility of rice monoculture. It augments income and employment opportunities in the rural settings where roughly three-fourths of gross crop area is engaged in producing a single crop. However, farmers grow a great number of crops in a little bit more than one-fifth of the gross crop area. From different indicators of measuring the extent of crop diversification, it can be concluded that the magnitude of crop diversification in Bangladesh is mediocre and Rajshahi division is more diversified than that of other divisions in Bangladesh. Present market structure, roads and irrigation systems are some notable constraints on the way of crop diversification. Crop diversification has a great potential of increasing income-generating activities and earnings of the rural people. To exploit the potentials of crop diversification Bangladesh government come forward with developed market structures, roads condition and making the irrigation system accessible for non-rice crops.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings