PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF WHEAT PRODUCTION IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF NAOGAON DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Bangladesh is an agricultural country and wheat is one of the most important crops of our daily life. The study was conducted at Nagaon Sadar upazila to examine the profitability, resource use efficiency, socioeconomic conditions, constraints and some probable solutions for wheat cultivation. A total of 80 respondents selected from the four villages as a sample for the present study. A simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of samples. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Different statistical analysis including Cobb-Douglas model are employed to fulfill the objectives of the study. The results reveal that the total variable cost was Tk. 66468, fixed cost was Tk. 17994 and total cost was Tk. 84462 per hectare for wheat production. Gross return of the wheat production was Tk. 113528. Net return was Tk. 29066 and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.34. In the study area, use of labor, land preparation, manure and irrigation for wheat farming was overused as well as seed, fertilizer and pesticide were underused. Use of labor, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, and irrigation were statistically significant except manure and land preparation were not significant. Wheat cultivars faced some problems such as lack of operating capital, scarcity of fertilizers, lack of good quality seeds, disease and pest infestation, lack of storage facilities, lack of transportation facility, low market price of wheat product and higher price of wheat inputs etc. The findings of the study can help the policy makers to make policy for eliminating the problems of the farmers; overall the development of the economy. Government should emphasize on providing sufficient storage facilities, proper financial assistance and support of agricultural inputs with low price.