PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF POTATO CULTIVATION IN SOME SELECTED AREA OF PANCHARAGH DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Bangladesh is an agricultural country and potato is one of the most important horticultural crop of our daily life. The study was conducted at Debiganj of Pancharagh district to examine the profitability, resource use efficiency socioeconomic conditions, problems and some probable solutions for potato cultivation. A total of 70 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 193827.00 and fixed cost Tk 1938.27 per hectare for potato production. Gross return of the potato production was 279400.00. Net return was Tk. 83634.73 and cost benefit ratio was 1.42. In the study area, use of insecticide, fertilizer and irrigation for potato farming was under used as well as seed and labor were over used. Insecticide, seed, and irrigation were statistically significant. Potato cultivars faced some problems such as lack of capital, high price of fertilizers and insecticides, scarcity of good quality seeds, attack by pest and disease, lack of storage facilities, lack of marketing facilities, and lack of market information. The findings of the study can help the policy makers to make policy for eliminating the problems of the farmers; over all the development the economy. Government should emphasize on providing sufficient cold storage facilities, proper financial support and support of agricultural inputs with low-price.