AN ECONOMIC AND PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF SELECTED MINOR CROPS CULTIVATION IN BOGURA DISTRICT

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to examine the profitability of major minor crop production in some selected areas of Bogura district in Bangladesh. In order to attain the objectives, a total 101 farmers were randomly selected from three thanas namely Bogura sadar, Gabtoli and Sariakandi under Bogura district. Both tabular and statistical analysis (simple statistical technique, Cobb-Douglas production function) were done to achieve the objectives of the study. The study found that production of all the selected minor crop were profitable. Per hectare gross cost of producing pointed gourd, bitter melon, pumpkin and cucumber were Tk. 111692.67, Tk 136112.6, Tk 132821.58 and Tk. 141658.73 respectively and the corresponding per hectare gross return from pointed gourd, bitter melon, pumpkin and cucumber amounted at Tk. 186586, Tk 215763, Tk 229080 and Tk. 217910 respectively. Per hectare net returns of producing of pointed gourd, bitter melon, pumpkin and cucumber were Tk. 74893.33, Tk 79650.4, Tk 97068.72 and Tk. 76251.27respectively. Benefit cost ratios of pointed gourd, bitter melon, pumpkin and cucumber production per hectare were 1.67,1.58,1.72 and 1.54 respectively. The farmers earned the highest profit from pumpkin followed by pointed gourd, bitter melon, and cucumber cultivation. The study reported some problems and constraints faced by the farmers during production and marketing of selected minor crops. Probable solutions to these problems were also suggested. Considerable scope apparently exists in the study areas to increase the productivity of pointed gourd, bitter melon, pumpkin and cucumber. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made to improve practices for selected minor crops production with a view to increasing the income and employment opportunities the farm