Department of Crop Science and Technology

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Contribution of PalIi Daridro Bimochon Foundation Activity on Socio-economic Development of the Beneficiaries in Bangladesh
(University of Rajshahi, 2014) Islam, Md. Monarul; Baree, M.A.; Ali, Md. Sekender
The main purpose of the study was to determine the extent of socio-economic development of the beneficiaries through PDBF activities. PDBF-selected beneficiaries of three selected Upazilas of three districts of Rajshahi and Dhaka division constituted the population of the study. A total of 338 beneficiaries were finally selected which constituted the sample of the study by using random numbers. Data were collected from the beneficiaries during September, 2011 to February, 2012 by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Fourteen selected characteristics of the beneficiaries were considered as the independent variables. Socio-economic development activities by the beneficiaries were the dependent variable. Overwhelming majority (99.41 per cent) of the respondent beneficiaries increased their socio-economic development ranged from low to medium level compared to O. 59 per cent of the respondent increased at high level socio-economic development. Constraint Faced Index (CFI) among the types of constraints faced by the beneficiaries that new loan issued until final repayment of loan, high interest rate and not properly use of loan were the most important constraints encountered by the respondents. The correlation co-efficient was initially computed to determine the relationships among the variables. Step-wise multiple regression and path analyses were used to explore the contribution and effect of the selected characteristics of the respondent beneficiaries on their socio-economic development towards working with PDBF activities. Out of 14 selected characteristics 8 characteristics namely age (r - 0.058), education (r - 0.084), farm size (r - 0.050), savings behavior (r - 0.058), credit utilization (r - 0.053) and participation with PDBF (r - 0.049) of the respondents and contribution of socio-economic development was not found significant and the correlation coefficient between family size ( r - 0 .111 *), group cohesion ( r - 0.315 * *), credit received (r - 0.315**), credit repayment behavior (r - 0.564**), training exposure (r - 0.140**), income generating activities (r - 0.257**), innovativeness (r -0.161**), attitude toward PDBF activities (r - 0.320**) of the respondents were found significant. Multiple R, R2 and adjusted R2 in the step wise multiple regression analysis were 0.615, 0.379 and 0.367 respectively and the corresponding F-ratio of 33.497 were significant at 0.000 level which means that all the independent variables jointly explained 36. 70 per cent of total variation of the changes in socio-economic development of the respondents. Results of path analysis revealed that credit repayment behavior (X9) had the highest direct effect (0.470) in the positive direction followed by attitude towards PDBF (X14), training exposure (X11) and group cohesion (X6) had appreciable positive direct effect on the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries through PDBF activities. Family size (X3) and innovativeness (X13) had the lowest direct effect (0. 70) in the positive direction on the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries through PDBF activities. The variable group cohesion (X6) had the highest (0. 760) total indirect effect followed by attitude towards PDBF (X14), family size (X3) and credit repayment behavior (X9), training exposure (X11) had appreciable total indirect effect while the variable innovativeness (X13) had the lowest (0.214) total indirect effect on the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries through PDBF activities.
Effect of Irrigation and Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Maize
(University of Rajshahi, 2015) Majid, Md. A.; Islam, Md. Saiful
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of irrigation amount applied with optimum irrigation on field maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield in Bangladesh. Irrigation management treatments were created as rainfall irrigation, one irrigation, two irrigation'' s and three irrigations replenishment of water depleted in root zone from 100% replenishment treatment in every irrigation system. In BARJ hybrid maize-7 growth stages were significantly affected all parameters and the average grain yields varied from 6.61 to 10.32t ha-1• In BARI hybrid maize-9 growth stages were also affected all parameters and the average grain yields varied from 6.68 to 10.44 t ha-1• In the research, irrigation significantly affected growth and yields, which increased with irrigation up to three irrigation level increased growth and yield but remarkable varied rainfall irrigation and any irrigation system. Three time irrigations reference irrigation treatment gave the highest growth and grain yield. The results revealed that the full irrigation is the best choice for higher growth and yield. Due to the strong influence of nitrogen (N) on plant productivity a vast amount of N fertilizers is used to maximize crop growth and yield. Overuse of N fertilizers leads to severe pollution of the environment, especially the aquatic ecosystem as well as reducing farmer's income. Growing of N efficient cultivars is an important prerequisite for integrated nutrient management strategies in both low and high input agriculture. Taking maize as a sample crop, this paper reviews the response of plants to low N stress, the physiological processes which may control N use efficiency in low N and over use of N fertilizers input conditions. Since the modem hybrid maize cultivars is quite high, further improvement of these cultivars to adapt to low N soils should aim to increase their capacity to accumulate N at low N levels. The results show that a dose of 230 kg N ha-1 can provide significantly higher grain yield of maize, albeit 115 kg N ha-1 was comparable with it. A combination of 230 kg N ha-1 results in significantly higher values of yield attributes. This may be worth-recommending. But it would be better, if recommendation is made based on the economic optimum doses for maize. A field study was conducted to assess the interaction effects of irrigation and nitrogen rates on hybrid maize yield. The interaction effect of irrigations and nitrogen levels significantly influenced on BARI hybrid maize-7 of different growth and yield parameters viz. plant height, plant girth, total tillers planr1, effective tiller planr 1, non-effective tiller planr 1, total roots planf1, straw weight planf 1, straw yield t ha-', cob length, cob girth, grain line cob-1, grain number line-1, total grain cob-1, grain weight cob-1, 1000 grin weight cob-1, grain weight cob-1, l 000 grin weight cob-1, grains yield t ha-1, straw yield t ha-1 and biological yield t ha-' but no response in cob grain free length and harvest index (%)(Table 09 - 12). From the above research work it could be concluded that application of N @ 230kg ha-1 with three irrigations would be better for growth and yield of maize.
Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Selective Vegetable Crops in Calcareous Soils of Bangladesh
(University of Rajshahi, 2013) Naher, Mst. Noor Akter; Alam, Md. Nurul
Six field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management on growth, yield and yield components of selected vegetable crops (cabbage, cauliflower and carrot) from November 2008 to March 2009 and November 2009 to March 2010 in calcareous soils of Bangladesh, which was originated “High Ganges River Floodplain”. There were two experiments in each crop. The treatments of first experiment of cabbage, cauliflower and carrot viz. T0=Control, T1=N, T2=NP, T3=NPK, T4=NPKS, T5=NPKZn, T6=NPKB, T7=NPKMo, T8= NPKSZn, T9=NPKSZnB, T10=NPKSZnBMo with three replications in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during 2008-2009 season. The dose of N-P-K-S-Zn-B-Mo were 150-50-100-20-3-3-1 Kg/ha, respectively. The treatments of second experiment of cabbage, cauliflower and carrot, namely T0= Control, T1 =Zn2B2, T2=Zn2B2Mo0.5, T3=Zn3B3Mo1, T4=Zn2B2Mo.5Mn4, T5=Zn2B2Cu1 Mo0.5Mn4, T6= Zn3B3Cu2Mo1Mn8 (figures in subscrip indicate doses of concern nutrients) with basal dose of N-150, P-50 and K-100 Kg/ha. The experiments were conducted in same field and the initial soil properties were silty clay loam in texture. The organic matter of the experimental field soil was very low, N and S also low. The land was medium fertile and pH 7.2. Application of different nutrients exhibited significant influence on growth and yield of cabbage. The highest plant spread (70.76 cm), height (37.89 cm), leaf length (37.83cm) and breadth (27.13 cm), number of loose leaves (19.80), head thickness(12.85 cm), head diameter (23.03 cm), marketable head yield (76.53 t/ha), and also early head formation and maturity was obtained from NPKB. The treatment NPK+S shows the highest weight of loose leaves (640 g/plant) and decreased the weight of folded leaves or head weight. Whereas, the treatment NPK+B increased the folded leaves or maximum head weight (1894.18 g/plant). The yield was highly increased (43% over NPK) when NPK+B was added to the soil as the head formation was positively associated with B. In the second experiment of cabbage, the effect of Zn and B on foliage coverage was prominent in all growth periods. It was observed that Zn, B and Mo at 2.0, 2.0 and 0.5 kg/ha dose had the highest effect on head diameter (23.41cm), head thickness (12.41 cm), weight of marketable head (2181.20 g/plant), gross weight (2997.15g/plant) and total yield (88.10 t/ha) of cabbage which increased 43.76% production over control. The results exhibited that higher doses of Zn, B and Mo (3, 3 and 1 kg/ha respectively) reduced the yield (7.62 t/ha) compared with lower doses (2.0, 2.0 and 0.5 kg/ha, respectively). Addition of Cu and Mn showed negative response to head yield of cabbage. In the first experiment of cauliflower, the treatment NPKSBMo produced the longest (44.63 cm) as well as the widest leaf (22.08 cm). The nutrients S, Zn, B and Mo increased the leaf breadth, canopy diameter when added individually with NPK fertilizers. Application of boron had significant and positive effect on plant height (44.18 cm). The maximum weight of leaves (710.07 g/plant), largest diameter of curd (16.26 cm) and maximum height of curd (9.73 cm) were recorded from the treatment containing NPKB. NPKS, NPKZn and NPKSZn decreased the weight of leaf, curd diameter and curd height than NPK. The result shows that B had positive and significant effect on weight of leaf, curd diameter and curd height, and Mo had positive and significant effect on weight of leaf but insignificant effect on curd diameter and curd height. The maximum marketable curd weight (715.30 g/plant), curd weight (499.78 g/plant), marketable curd yield (28.9 t/ha) was recorded from NPK+B treatment which increased the yield 437.87% over control and 30.83% over NPK. The treatment NPK+S and NPK+Zn reduced the yield 19.92% and 7.92% over NPK, respectively. When Mo added with NPK the curd yield was increased 391.98% over control and 17.12% over NPK. It is noted that B and Mo have positive effects on curd yield of cauliflower. In the second experiment of cauliflower, the maximum curd Diameter (16.61 cm), thickness (9.95 cm), curd weight (707.8 g/plant), marketable curd weight (886.7 g/plant) and highest yield (35.82 t/ha, 24.67% increased over control) was obtained from treatment Zn2B2Mo0.5 In the first experiment of carrot, the maximum plant height (51.08 cm) and root length (16.22 cm) was found by the application of NPK. The maximum root diameter (4.66 cm) was recorded when all nutrients (T10) added to the soil. Maximum fresh weight of leaves (95.83 g/plant) was found in NPKSZnBMo. The highest yield (27.48 t/ha) which was 67.48% higher over control was obtained from the plot receiving all the nutrients. In second experiment of carrot, the lower rates of micronutrients produced the maximum plant (60.30 cm). The maximum diameter (6.42 cm) was observed in control plot where NPK as basal. The lower dose of micronutrients (Zn2B2Cu1Mo0.5Mn4) produced the maximum root weight (147.3 g/plant), shoot weight (84.67 g/plant) and root yield (29.76 t/ha) which increased 37.26% root yield over control. Therefore, it can be concluded that application of B with NPK increased the vigorous vegetative growth and yield of cabbage, and cauliflower. Boron was found more effective in leaf folding or head formation, early head maturity of cabbage and proper curd formation of cauliflower. It is also noted that Mo has positive effect on curd yield of cauliflower. Zinc and Boron alone or combine with NPK shows better performance on carrot yield. Among micronutrients B is required for cabbage, B and Mo for cauliflower, and Zn and B for carrot cultivation in calcareous soils of Bangladesh.
Market Assessment with Food Chain System and Export Potentiality of Horticultural Crops in Bangladesh
(University of Rajshahi, 2015) Quaderi, Rumman Shafi; Azad, Md. Abul Kalam
The present study was conducted from 2010 to 2014 attempt to forecast the domestic market chain and export status of horticultural crops specially the fruits and vegetable production, estimation of domestic demand, determining the nature of market, integration of domestic and international markets, estimating growers profitability, identifying the efficient marketing channel and examining export potentials of fresh vegetables and fruits including their problems and prospects. Vegetables are occupied 5.45% & fruits are occupied 0.94% of the total cultivated land of the country. Farmers of Bangladesh are handicapped by inadequate knowledge of efficient harvest and storage practices. Market information is frequently unavailable, and harvest timing is asynchronous with market requirements. Vegetable production without supervision causes poor quality production, high percentages of rejected vegetables due to poor post-harvest handling, rough transportation and also related to the presenting irregular shape and size, different maturity indices, insects and diseases infestation, mechanical injury and moisture losses. The low level of consumption of horticultural products in the value chain that are hindering the retail prices of fruits and vegetables. About one third of total grown fruits and vegetables are lost during transport from producers to consumers, which is affecting negatively on prices. Another reason for higher prices at the retail level are the profit earned by middlemen, who play an important role in Bangladesh in bringing fruits and vegetables from producers to markets. Finally, prices increase due to the absence of modern storage and transportation facilities such as cold stores and refrigerated vans. As a result, retailers of fruits and vegetables gain a larger profit margins, and the growers on average can receive only 71% and 48% of retail prices for fruits and vegetables respectively compared in the case of cereals. Several measures could be adopted for improving the value chain of fruits and vegetables. In order to encourage small and medium scale farmers to grow fruits and vegetables the government and non-governmental organizations could promote the formation of marketing groups and cooperatives. The volume of exported vegetables has been increasing day by day. So it has a great prospect to earn foreign exchange by exporting vegetables from Bangladesh. All categories of exporters reported that many a times, the quality of Bangladeshi vegetables is not acceptable by the foreign buyers and some of the countries have stopped importing Bangladeshi vegetables because of poor quality standards. 21% GDP of Bangladesh comes from agro based productions, 48% labor force are involved for agro production and the export value of agricultural products is 12%.More than 100 horticultural crops are exported from Bangladesh. Export of fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs) from Bangladesh increased from 9,000 tons in 1992-93 to 48428 tons in 2010-2011. The major export market comprises UK (46%), Italy (8%), other EU countries (3%) and Middle East countries (43%). Export of vegetables in UK market is highly profitable and also value added but it has lengthy customs procedure. Although, a high amount of vegetable was exported in the Middle East countries due to its easy customs procedure and high value addition. More than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables are exported to UK alone. Besides, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen products about 250-300 tons at a value of about US$ 3 million are exported for both ethnic and mainstream markets. The quantity of total exported fruits and vegetables were 29100 MT in 2004-2005, 33626 MT in 2007-2008 and 48428 MT in 2010-2011 with a value of US$ 4640000, US$ 69120000 and US$ 109410000 respectively. However, the trends of increasing horticultural crops occupy a significant position in our export earnings. Development of the horticultural sector depends to a large extent on the existence of the development of the value-chain of the products and on the efficiency of the marketing system. While little value addition takes place in the form of sorting, grading, quality control and packaging, etc. for fresh products, the semi processed and processed products have reached the branding stage. Special zones for vegetable and fruits exporting can be encouraged by the government providing various services in these zones including cooling chain arrangements, development and growth of packaging and infrastructure facilities. A big stimulus can also be provided by quickly disbursing the money given as export subsidies in this sector and institutional support throughout the marketing chain.
Studies on stemphylium blight of lentil (Lens culinaris) and its management practices
(University of Rajshahi, 2016) Alam, Kh. Habibul; Ali, Md. Kawser; Rashid, Md. Harunor; Haque, A.H.M. Mahfuzul
A field survey was conducted to know the prevalence of stemphylium blight caused by Stemphylium botryosum of lentil (Lens culinaris) growing 11 districts viz. Jessore, Kushtia, Faridpur, Pabna, Rajshahi, Maherpur, Madaripur, Barisal, Jhalokathi, Khulna and Satkhira in Bangladesh during cropping season of 2012-13 in the farmers’ field. Out of 11 districts the highest disease incidence was found in Jhalokathi (Sadar) (77.90%) and the lowest disease incidence was found in Pabna (Ishardi) (45.50%). The highest disease severity was found in Faridpur (Sadar) and the lowest disease severity was found Kushtia (Kumarkhali). Farmers used six different varieties in 11 districts. Local variety performed highly susceptible (HS), BARI Masur-3 and BARI Masur-4 showed moderately susceptible (MS) and BARI Masur-5, BARI Masur-6 and BARI Masur-7 showed moderately resistant (MR) disease reaction under field condition. Isolation and identification of the pathogen with proof of pathogenicity were carried out under laboratory condition. First appearances of stemphylium blight disease in lentil in the field were found at pre-flowering or flowering stages from another experiment. Out of 8 weed species, Bathua (Chenopodium album) was identified as an alternate host of Stemphylium botryosum and it was first report in Bangladesh. A total of 214 lentil lines/varieties were screened out against stemphylium blight in the field under artificial inoculated condition in three subsequent years of 2011-2014 in Barisal. In the first year screening program out of 214 lines/varieties 22 lines were selected as resistant to Stemphylium botryosum. In the second year out of 24 lines/varieties 3 lines namely BD-6002, BD-3837 and BD-3926 were selected. In the third year out of selected 5 lines/varieties including 2 check varieties BARI Masur-1 and BARI Masur-7 were screened at Barisal and Rajshahi and finally 2 lines viz. BD-6002 and BD-3837 showed the highest yield (1628 Kg/ha and 1447 Kg/ha). In case of effect of different dates of sowing and varieties on stemphylium blight, the highest yield and the lowest disease severity were recorded in November 08 and November 15 sowing with BARI Masur-7 and the lowest yield and the highest disease severity were recorded in October 25 and November 01 sowing. But late sowing (November 29 and December 06) performed the lowest disease severity as well as lower yield. Among the fungicides (Rovral 50WP, Compenion, Nativo, Amistar Top 325 SC and Secure 600 SC) tested for controlling stemphylium blight in Barisal and Rajshahi, 3 sequences foliar spray with Rovral (Iprodione) @ (0.2%) and Amistar Top (Azoxystrobin 20% + Difenoconazole 12.5%) @ (0.1%) at an interval of 12 days effectively controlled the disease and increased yield of lentil by 55.50% and 53.58 %, respectively. In another experiment, efficacy of different fungicides with foliar spray and seed treatment were evaluated against stemphylium blight of lentil in Rajshahi in 2014-15. Seed treatment with Bavistin or Provax and selected fungicide Rovral was sprayed as foliar spray were effectively controlled the stemphylium blight of lentil in a susceptible variety BARI Masur-1.
Study on Growth, Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Tomato Varieties in Rainfed Area
(University of Rajshahi, 2019) Hoque, M. Ekramul; Ali, Md. Kawser
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the "Study on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of tomato varieties in rainfed area" during October 2013 to March 2017 at the experiment field of Kalikapur, Baraigram Upazila, Natore and laboratory of Crop Science of Technology, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Four different experiments were conducted and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Four tomato varieties BARI-2, BARI-8, BARI-14, and BARI-15 were used as planting material. A series of experiment were laid out in order to develop suitable variety, better management practices and to get high quality tomato production to overcome the adverse condition. Experiments were conducted mainly effect on staking and non-staking, pest and disease management practices, pruning and non-pruning & organic and inorganic fertilizer combination level of growth, yield and yield contributing characters of tomato variety. In case of quality tomato production, the results revealed that the plant height, number of leaves, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, yield ton per hectare were significantly influenced by treatments except few cases. Results revealed that the effects of Staking and Non-staking and their co-ordinate interactions of tomato have been investigated and produced the highest yield (54.85 t/ha) was observed in staking practices and the highest yield was found (63.03 t/ha) in combination and vitamin C content highest in fresh stage (30.00 mg/100gm) as obtained from the treatment S1V1 (S1= Staking; V1= BARI-2). The effects of pest and disease management practices produced the highest yield (53.26 t/ha) was observed in C1 (Chemical use) and very closest yield was found (50.88 t/ha) in NL1 (Neem leaf extract & Bordeaux mixture). The treatment combination of pruning and non-pruning practices observed the maximum yield (53.25 t/ha) in used pruning practices and the highest yield was found (61.43 t/ha) in the treatment P1V1 combination (P1= Pruning; V1= BARI-2). On the other hand, among different organic and inorganic fertilizer combination the highest yield of tomato (57.47 t/ha) was found in treatment T2= ½ Cow dung + ½ chemical fertilizer (7.5ton/ha + Urea-250kg/ha, TSP-200kg/ha, MOP-100kg/ha) with variety BARI-2 (Ratan) followed by poultry litter and chemical fertilizer.
Study on Gummosis and Sudden Decline Disease of Mango Plants in Rajshahi Region of Bangladesh
(University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 2020) Hossain, Md. Mosharraf; Islam, Md. Saiful
Mango is one of the most important fruit in Bangladesh suffering from many diseases. Among the diseases gummosis and sudden decline disease of mango plant is a new disease in Bangladesh. Day by day it is becoming a serious threat to the mango growers of the country. In order to study about the disease a set of four experiments were conducted. A field survey was conducted at five upazilas of Chapainawabganj district and three upazilas of Rajshahi district of Bangladesh during January 2016 to October 2017 to study the incidence and severity of the disease. It was observed that the disease was found in all the surveyed area under investigation. Among the eight upazilas the highest incidence (3.47%) and severity index (10.70%) were recorded in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district where as the lowest incidence (1.77 %) and severity index (6.00 %) were recorded in putia upazila of Rajshahi district. In case of varietal reaction the highest incidence (3.55 %) and severity index (14.87 %) were recorded in Fazli variety whereas the lowest incidence (0.26 %) and severity index (2.16 %) were recorded in BARI Aam-4. From the experiment it was observed that among the varieties surveyed fazli was very much susceptible to gummosis and sudden decline disease. These studies indicate that older plants might be more susceptible to the disease compared to younger plants. From the results it was observed that the maximum disease incidence was noted in the month of April and the minimum in July. During the survey samples of diseased plant parts were collected and the causal agent was isolated on potato dextrose agar media and identified. The isolated fungus was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae that was confirmed by pathogenicity test using mango seedlings as test crops following stem inoculation method. Lasiodiplodia theobromae, isolated from the diseased plant parts which was able to cause the same xvi symptom on inoculated mango seedlings. In this study molecular identification and characterization of isolated fungus was conducted using genome sequencing of its region from northern parts of Bangladesh. The BLASTn search revealed that the fungus derived from gummosis and sudden decline disease of mango is Lasiodiplodia theobromae. In vitro fungi toxicity of eight fungicides from different groups were tested for their efficacy against L. theobromae, by following poisoned food technique, proved that Carbendazim was the most effective fungicide followed by Copper hydroxide, Propiconazole and mixture of Pyraclostrobin with Metiram. Six treatments were applied at field condition to manage the disease and it was observed that among the treatments the lowest severity (2.96%) as well as the highest disease reduction (95.56%) after the application of Bordeaux paste along with spraying Carbendazim @ 2gm/L.
Yield gap in wheat production: an analysis of farm specific efficiency in bangladesh
(University Of Rajshahi, 2023-05) Rashid, Md. Haron Or; Baree, M A
Wheat production can be enhanced by properly utilizing productive inputs and managing production factors effectively in order to meet the increasing demand for food. The primary goal of the current study was to discover and assess the potential for increasing wheat productivity by boosting farmers’ productive efficiency. The study employed farm level cross sectional data collected from 286 farm households of three major wheat growing areas in Bangladesh. Hundred percent farmers used modern variety of wheat in their production practices. The variety BARI Gom 30 produced highest yield (3006 kg/ha) followed by BARI Gom 32 (2934 kg/ha) and BARI Gom 33 (2902 kg/ha). Yield of wheat varied across locations and among farm categories. The average yield was found to be 3110 kg per hectare with highest average yield at Rajshahi followed by Jamalpur (2920 kg/ha). The yield of Jamalpur (2920 kg/ha) and Faridpur (2741 kg/ha) was less than the national average (3098 kg/ha). Among farm categories, large farmers produced highest yield (3016 kg/ha) followed by medium (2938 kg/ha) and small (2817 kg/ha) farmers. Full package of recommended production technologies was not adopted by the farmers. Other socioeconomic factors have also played roles in the variation in yields. The bio-physical constraints limiting wheat production were: lack of good quality seed, soil type, poor utilization of irrigation facilities etc. Among the socioeconomic factors, farmers’ contact with the extension worker had the positive and significant influence on yield implying that, wheat yield could be increased significantly by increasing farmers’ contact with the extension worker. The coefficient of plot tenancy dummy had negative sign for all areas implying that, wheat yield in the rented in plots were lower compared to that of own plots. Labor cost accounted the highest share of the total production costs (almost 18 percent) in all areas followed by fertilizer and irrigation cost. The rate of profit was also substantially higher for the farms in Rajshahi than that of Jamalpur and Faridpur. The share of returns from wheat output for different factors of production did not differ that much. Sowing time is an important factor for variation of wheat yield. The residual (or operator’s surplus) was positive in the cultivation of wheat in all the areas. The mean technical efficiency of wheat growers was 81 percent suggesting that there existed a technical inefficiency of 19 percent. The estimates of stochastic frontier production function model showed that fertilizer and irrigation have a significant positive impact on wheat production. The estimates of stochastic frontier cost function model showed that fertilizer price and sowing at optimum time would result in the decrease of production cost. Thus, farmers’ efficiency could be improved by 19 percent through the improvement of technical efficiency. The coefficients of farmers’ education, wheat farming experience, and training on wheat cultivation were negatively significant in the inefficiency effect models implying that inefficiency decreases with the increase in farmers education, wheat farming experience, and training on wheat. The yield gap-I was estimated at 1189, 1203 and 1148 kg/ha in Jamalpur, Rajshshi and Faridpur respectively resulting mostly from non-transferable components of technology and environmental factors. Yield gap-II was estimated at 1703, 1623 and 1826 kg/ha in Jamalpur, Rajshshi and Faridpur respectively. This was attributed mainly to technical inefficiency. The biotic and abiotic factors were also combinedly responsible for yield gap II. The magnitude of yield gap II was almost parallel in three production environments. The study suggests that existence of some gaps in wheat yield, which may be reduced to some extent through policy interventions and adoption of improved technology.
Yield Gap Minimization In Mustard Through Agronomic Management Techniques
(University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 2021) Biswas, Girish Chandra; Ud-Deen, Md. Mosleh; Adhikary, Sanjoy Kumar
To find out the yield gap, causes of yield gap and to minimize yield gap of mustard (Brassica Sp.) through agronomic management techniques, there were 03 (three) different experiments were conducted. From first experiment, 04 (four) most potential mustard varieties were selected for next experiments. The second and third experiment was conducted at research field and at farmer’s field with four mustard varieties viz. BARI Sarisha 9, BARI Sarisha 11, BARI Sarisha 14, BARI Sarisha 15 and three different sowing times viz. 30th October, 10th November and 20th November in three different growing seasons. Then the yield gap analysis, the causes of yield gap and strategies for minimizing the yield gaps of mustard were find out. In this study different treatments showed significant influence on yield contributing characters and yield of mustard in the growing seasons of 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 both at research and farmer’s field. In general BARI Sarisha 11 with 10th November sowing time gave the maximum plant height, no. of leaves plant-1, no. of branches plant-1, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pod length, no. of pods plant-1, no. of seeds pod-1, no. of seeds plant-1, 1000-seeds weight and finally seed, straw and oil yield whereas the minimum values of above parameters were obtained from BARI Sarisha 9 with 20th November sowing time in all three growing seasons. Effect of different variety and sowing time on yield contributing characters and yield of mustard was noticeable. BARI Sarisha 11 produced the highest values and BARI Sarisha 9 gave the lowest values. On the other hand, values of all yield contributing characters were found to be decreased with increasing the date of sowing after 10th November. The highest yield gaps of mustard between research and farmers field were 395.00 kg ha-1 with 17.99%, 480.00 kg ha-1 with 21.05% and 471.00 kg ha-1 with 20.60% from BARI Sarisha 11 with 10th November showing time in the growing seasons of 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. Biological factors, socio-economic factors, climatic factors, institutional/Government policy related factors and technology transfer factors are considered for causing yield gaps of mustard.------