PROFITABILITY AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF BOGURA DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Potato is third largest food crop in Bangladesh by tonnage of production. Its acreage and production are also increasing in day after day. This study was accomplished to examine the profitability and technical efficiency of potato cultivation in Bogura district of Bangladesh. A total of 60 cultivators were selected from three upazilas of Bogura district. Data were collected through farm survey by using a suitable pretested questionnaire in February to March, 2018. Descriptive statistics and problems

faced index

(PFI) were used to attain the objectives. Average gross return, gross margin and net return were found Tk 237236, Tk. 77438 and Tk 55944 respectively. Benefit cost ratio was found 1.31. And there we evaluated that the Log likelihood is 41.3964 and Standard deviation is 0.135. Land preparation, human labour, seed, fertilizer, insecticides, irrigations and harvesting cost were the key factors of potato production. The study identified some major post-harvest problems, unavailability of quality seed, storage problem, holding capacity problem, lower market price, transportation problem, lack of public procurement and load shedding. The potato cultivators opined that potato production would be economically viable if quality seeds with affordable price, processing facilities, storage facilities, marketing facilities, fertilizer or insecticides with reasonable price are ensured.