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Farm Level Potato (solanum Tuberosum L.) Cultivation in Some Selected Sites of Bangladesh

S. M. SHAHRIAR1

, M. KAMRUL HASAN2 AND M. KAMRUZZAMAN3 1 Scientific Officer (IAPP Project), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Rangpur; 2 Principal Scientific Officer, Planning and Evaluation Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur-1701, 3 Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur- 1701, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was carried out in two intensive potato growing areas (Rangpur and Munshigonj) to estimate the technical efficiency of potato producers and to describe the level of variation in potato productivity due to differences in input use. Data were collected from 60 farmers (30 farmers from each district) using simple random sampling technique. Average technical efficiency was 86% implying that on average 14% inefficiency remained at producers’ level. The application of human labour, MoP, and weedicides would increase potato yield significantly. On the other hand, the coefficient of urea and pesticide cost was found negative and significant which advarsely effect the yield of potato. Moreover, the coefficient of operated land and extension linkage were found negative and significant implying that with further increase in operated land and extension linkage, technical efficiency would increase. Munshigonj was found to be more suitable area for potato production. The performance of selfproduced and stored potato seeds are poor compared to the seeds from BADC. Supply of quality seeds to the farmers should be ensured by strengthening seed production and distribution system both in public and private sectors.

Keywords: Potato cultivation, technical efficiency, Rangpur, Munshigonj

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Objectives:

The specific objectives of the study were as follows: i) to describe the level of variation in potato productivity due to differences in input use at farm level. ii) to delineate the technical efficiency of potato farmers in the sample areas, and ii) to understand the factors affecting inefficiency of potato producers.

Methodology:

Study area and sampling: The present study was conducted in two purposively selected potato growing districts of Bangladesh. Munshiganj was chosen as high concentrated area and Rangpur as moderate concentrated area for potato production. Sadar upazillas under each district were selected purposively. Among the 11 unions of Rangpur Sadar and 10 unions of Munshigonj Sadar Upazilla, Chandanpat union of Rangpur and Adhara union of Munshigonj Upazila were selected randomly. In the next step, three villages from each of the unions were also selected randomly. The villages under Chandanpat union were Shabajpur, Laherirhat, Islampur and that from Adhara union were Deyankandhi, Sonali, and Charkishorgonj. A list of potato farmers of the selected villages was prepared with the help of village leaders and field level extension personnel. Then farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique. Considering the limitation of time and fund, sample size of potato farmers was fixed at 60 (taking 10 farmers from each village). Data were collected during April-May 2010. Pretesting was done before finalizing the interview schedule. Secondary data on area and production of potato were also used to supplement the information. Technical efficiency estimation: Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function was employed to estimate technical efficiency of the potato growers. It is the most widely used form for fitting agricultural production data because of its mathematical properties, ease of interpretation and computational simplicity (Heady and Dillon, 1969). It is a homogeneous function that provides a scale factor enabling one to measure the return to scale and to interpret the elasticity coefficients with relative ease. It is also relatively easy to estimate because in logarithmic form it is linear and parsimonious (Beattie and Taylor, 1985). Thus, Cobb-Douglas specification provides an adequate representation of the agricultural production technology.

Source of Information: ISSN 0258-7122 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 455-466, September 2013

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Achievement/Findings:

Seed is a vital factor for agricultural production. Yield of potato was found higher with seeds from BADC compared to other sources. Farmers who used their own seeds obtained lower yield. This may be due to lack of knowledge regarding seed production and preservation by the farmers. The performance of self-produced and stored potato seeds are poor compared to the seeds from BADC. Supply of quality seeds to the farmers should be ensured by strengthening seed production and distribution system both in public and private sectors. Most of the farmers did not use the recommended level of inputs especially fertilizers for potato production which might have a positive Contribution to yield. Therefore, farmers should be encouraged to use balanced dose of fertilizers and allocate their resources optimally and timely for increasing potato yield by maintaining soil health. The mean technical efficiency of 86 percent indicated that there existed 14 percent inefficiency and production could be increased by 14 percent with present level of technology by reallocating resources. Extension contact has a positive impact in increasing production of potato and farmers having frequent contact with extension personnel produced higher yield. Hence, farm level extension service should be strengthened further so that farmers’ consciousness regarding improved production and management practices is ensured.

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