M.A.M. Miah*
Agricultural Economics Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur-1701
M.R.I. Mondal
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur-1701
Oilseeds, Challenges, Opportunities, Bangladesh
Manikgonj, Faridpur, Tangail, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Pabna, Dinajpur, Noakhali, Luxmipur, Comilla, and Jessore
Socio-economic and Policy
Study area selection and sampling technique Four major oilseed crops namely mustard, sesame, groundnut, and soybean were taken into consideration in this study. Multi-stages sampling procedure was followed to select sample farmers. In the first stage of sampling, study areas were selected based on the area coverage of the aforesaid oilseed crops during the cropping season 2008-2009. Thus, three districts consisting high (covered≥10% of the total area), medium (covered<10% area), and low (covered<5% area) growing areas were chosen for studying each type of oilseed crop. The selected districts were Manikgonj, Faridpur, Tangail, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Pabna, Dinajpur, Noakhali, Luxmipur, Comilla, and Jessore. In the case of mustard and groundnut, the numbers of districts under high, medium and low growing areas were 3, 3, and 16, respectively, while the respective numbers were 3, 6, and 14 for sesame. For soybean, about 96% area was under Noakhali and Luxmipur. In the second stage, three suitable (in terms of data availability, accessibility, and logistic supports) Upazilas from each district were selected for each crop. Thirdly, three agricultural blocks were also selected in consultation with Agricultural Officer of the respective Upazila for collecting primary data from each oilseed growers. Finally, a total of 540 households (3 districts×3 Upazilas × 60 HHs) for each type of crop (improved & local varieties) were randomly selected from a complete list of selected oilseed growing farmers for interview to collect primary data. Thus, a total of 2160 (540 HHs×4 crops) oilseeds cultivating farmers were interviewed for the study. But, the total sample size was only 1980, because no third district has sufficient area (>1%) under soybean cultivation to consider for the study. Data collection and study period Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection were adopted in the present study. The researchers and trained enumerators collected data and information for this study. Data and information were collected during the period from October 2011 to October 2012. Quantitative data and information were gathered through personal interview with selected oilseed farmers using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Qualitative technique was based on Focus Group Discussion (FGD). In total 11 FGD at Upazila level and one FGD at scientist level were conducted for this study. The focused group at Upazila level was formed with different sections of people such as Agriculture Officer (1 no.), Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer (2 nos.), oilseed farmers (2-3 nos.), local influential persons (1-2 nos.), and oilseed traders (1-2 nos.). Analysing adoption and profitability of oilseed cultivation An attempt was made to estimate the adoption rate and profitability (financial and relative) of local and improved oilseed varieties in Bangladesh. The financial profitability of improved oilseeds production over their local varieties was calculated using simple accounting procedures. It was examined on the basis of gross return, gross margin and benefit cost ratio analysis. Besides, the opportunity costs of family supplied labour and cultivated land were taken into consideration in estimating total cost. Land use cost was calculated on the basis of lease value of land. In estimating relative profitability, the financial profitability of different competing crops was also estimated and compared with selected oilseed crops. Again, the costs and returns of improved oilseed variety were also compared with the respective costs and returns of local oilseed variety. Hence, data relating to input use for the production of selected oilseeds and their competing crops, and their market prices were collected. Besides, data on outputs and their prices were also gathered for the study.
SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 161-172 (2017)
Journal