Search

Population in South Asia is increasing ever than a faster rate, subsequently; food security, climate change, and capital intensive agro farming techniques are the prevailing challenges in this region. This is a tri-country penal analysis, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, and the study covers the data throughout (1973-2020). This study has used modern farm input data besides demographic variables in the study. In this study, we use panel data set, ARDL (PMG) approach, autoregressive distributed lag model pooled mean group, which is an extensively dynamic modeling technique for heterogeneous data. The results of the study explore that transition in the demographic pattern in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh is the real cause of low crop productivity and land intensification. Technology innovation is the only ray of hope to fulfill the food demand of the future ahead and climate agriculture practices can hamper the further deterioration of the small farmlands., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Sensor-based agriculture monitoring systems have limited outcomes on the detection or counting of vegetables from agriculture fields due to the utilization of either conventional color transformations or machine learning-based methods. To overcome these limitations, this research is aimed at proposing an IoT-based smart agriculture monitoring system with multiple algorithms such as detection, quantification, ripeness checking, and detection of infected vegetables. This paper presents smart agriculture monitoring systems for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The CHT has been applied to detect and quantify vegetables from the agriculture field. Using color thresholding and color segmentation techniques, defected vegetables have also been detected. A machine learning method-convolutional neural network (CNN) has been used for the development and implementation of all algorithms. A comparison between traditional methods and CNN has been simulated in MATLAB to find out the optimal method for its implementation in this agricultural monitoring system. Compared to the traditional methods, the CNN is the optimal method in this research work which performed better over the previously developed algorithms with an accuracy of more than 90%. As an example (case study), a tomato field in Chittagong, Bangladesh, was chosen where a camera-mounted mobile robot captured images from the agriculture field for which the proposed IoT-based smart monitoring system was developed. This system will benefit farmers through the digitally monitored output at an agriculture field in Bangladesh as well as in Malaysia. Since this proposed smart IoT-based system is still driven by bulky, costly, and limited powered sensors, in a future work, for the required power of sensors, this research work is aimed at the design and development of an energy harvester (hybrid) (HEH) based on ultralow power electronics circuits to generate the required power of sensors. Implementation of multiple algorithms using CNN, circular Hough transformation (CHT), color thresholding, and color segmentation methods for the detection, quantification, ripeness checking, and detection of infected crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The rapidly evolving nature of agricultural innovation processes in low-income countries requires agricultural extension agencies to transform the classical roles that previously supported linear information dissemination and adoption of innovation. In Bangladesh, strengthening agricultural innovation calls for facilitation of interactive communication and a wide range of mediation tasks within (and between) stakeholders operating in different social spheres. This paper examines how a public-sector agricultural extension agency has attempted to change its roles in implementing a major agricultural extension project in order to strengthen agricultural innovation. This role adjustment is a key outcome of an effectively functioning innovation system because it enables collective actions and enhances performance that meets the needs of clients. Methodology: The study uses a case study design that includes mixed methods data collection and analysis. Using interviews, group discussions, observations, and a semi-structured survey, data were collected from stakeholders of a major regional agricultural extension project in Bangladesh. Findings: The findings suggest that the agricultural extension agency missed the opportunity to deliver the agricultural extension project in such a way that it strengthens collective actions and functions that would respond to the needs of all clients within the system. This is due to institutions that create obstacles within the agricultural innovation system. These obstacles relate to the tendency to remain in a linear paradigm of technology transfer and dependency on public service, the under-estimation and depreciation of intermediary roles of extension personnel (e.g. brokering, negotiating, convening), and finally, an inability to foresee extension methods (e.g. training, demonstration) as the facilitation of interactive learning and knowledge embedding processes. Originality/ Practical Implications: This is the first case study from Bangladesh that provides insights into extant initiatives taken by a public-sector agricultural extension agency to put innovation system thinking into use. The paper discusses a number of lessons, which will be useful for evolving new forms of extension work and applying agricultural innovation systems thinking in low-income countries.

This paper explores the indispensable role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in cultivating, applying, and conserving Indigenous knowledge within rural Bangladesh. It scrutinizes how NGOs sustain Indigenous knowledge by focusing on pivotal sectors like agriculture, local medicine, and disaster management. Employing qualitative methodologies--such as ethnographic interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and case studies--the research was conducted in the Gabura union, Bangladesh, using primary and secondary data sources. The literature review underscores the significance of Indigenous knowledge in agriculture and disaster management while identifying gaps in comprehending knowledge conservation dynamics and the NGO's impact on Indigenous knowledge. It highlights how locals employ Indigenous Knowledge to combat natural disasters, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management. Furthermore, it explores NGOs' active roles in preserving and leveraging Indigenous Knowledge, emphasizing its integration with modern scientific knowledge and significance in rural life. The study delves into Gabura residents' strategies for cyclone resilience, such as seeking refuge on embankments, relocating to higher ground, and preserving seeds and dry food. It emphasizes NGOs like BARCIK and their initiatives--Paramela and Kaviraj Mela--along with resource person engagement and safeguarding local knowledge endangered by globalization. BARCIK's training in disaster management, advocacy for traditional agricultural methods, and promotion of indigenous remedies in healthcare are highlighted. Ultimately, the paper underscores NGOs' significant contributions to fostering and applying Indigenous knowledge for sustainable rural development. It emphasizes the institutional processes in defining knowledge and the NGO's role in its reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dhaka ranks among the world's most densely populated cities, with built-up areas expanding to accommodate the demands of a growing population. The rapid urbanization has reduced green space and exacerbated urban heat and pollution in the city. In the quest for a greener and healthier urban environment, rooftop agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, offering opportunities for the restoration of the environment and safe food production. Despite its potential, limited studies have explored the viability of this alternative greening solution for Dhaka. Therefore, this study aims to assess the suitability of rooftops for agricultural activities employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. First, seven criteria were selected based on the literature, such as building age, height, rooftop size, building utility, property value, sunlight, and water availability. Second, an expert opinion survey was conducted using the Best Worst Method (BWM) to calculate the criteria's weights. Finally, the suitability map for Dhaka was derived by combining the criteria layers and was subsequently validated. Rooftop area and property value were identified as the most and least important criteria. Approximately 9% (6.27 km 2 ), 68% (46.59 km 2 ), 22% (15.15 km 2 ), and a negligible portion (0.1 km 2 ) of Dhaka city has been classified as highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, and not suitable, respectively, for rooftop agriculture. By identifying and promoting the most suitable locations for rooftop agriculture and highlighting existing opportunities, this research will help to initiate and expand sustainable agriculture practices that can contribute to climate change adaptation and urban resilience., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Adverse climate impacts present a significant challenge for the majority of the world's population. It is especially true for smallholder farmers in coastal Bangladesh, where some adaptation initiatives appeared to be short-sighted and reproduced further inequity, poverty, and food insecurity. Based on empirical insights, this paper shows how short-sighted climate responses can adversely affect gender equity, illustrated through three adaptation strategies. First, agricultural institutions have traditionally and historically linked with gender roles. Outmigration from the region is gendered as males leave first. This forces increased household and farm responsibilities onto female household members and increased vulnerability. This gendered vulnerability becomes compounded by the ways critical weather information flows at the local level. Taking this gendered lens, this paper illustrates how shrimp farming has caused long-term woes for society. These insights help in understanding the complexity of climate–society interactions and the importance of long-term planning on any climate adaptation initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In major carp farming regions in Bangladesh, around half of the 231 farms assessed reported disease outbreaks, with the factors influencing disease including geographical region, species stocked, and biosecurity practices. Surveys indicated appropriate disinfection measures were highly successful in preventing diseases, but more generally, there was widespread improper use of chemicals and antibiotics. The study underscores the importance of enhanced in-country training and awareness programs to address biosecurity challenges, in turn ensuring the well-being of farmers and communities while promoting sustainable aquaculture. Small-scale carp polyculture plays a key role in food supply in Bangladesh. However, factors including water pollution, limited infrastructure, and inadequate disease management hinder its sustainability. This paper reports on a survey of 231 farmers across the six major carp producing regions in Bangladesh, analyzing factors including farmers' social aspects, farm characteristics, information on disease and approaches adopted to combat them, and biosecurity practices. Almost half (46.8%) of the farms surveyed experienced disease in carp species, with clear regional variations. Eighty-four percent of farms reported carp mortalities during disease outbreaks, with an average mortality level of 10.23 ± 11.81%. Clinical signs during outbreaks lasted between a week and a month, with a peak in disease outbreaks occurring in two seasonal periods between June and July and October and December. Disease incidence was related to a range of factors including the farmer's experience, ponds/farm type, stocked species, and biosecurity practice. A combination of disinfecting measures during pond preparation and measures during stocking, including discarding fingerling transport water away from the farm, fingerling disinfection, and checking the health of fingerlings before stocking, significantly reduced disease occurrence. Treatments involving antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and azithromycin were reported as ineffective, raising concerns about their non-prudent use, inadequate dosing (perhaps without appropriate veterinary guidance), and the potential for driving antimicrobial resistance in the environment. The research unveils a concerning pattern of high disease incidence across small-scale carp farms in Bangladesh, and the significant potential for disease spread highlights the need for responsible disposal practices. The study emphasizes the need for improving training and awareness programs for addressing biosecurity and disease management challenges, ensuring sustainable aquaculture and community well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a transformative technology that is reshaping industries and daily life, leading us towards a connected future that is full of possibilities and innovations. In this paper, we present a robust framework for the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. The framework encompasses the integration of IoT, data mining techniques, and cloud monitoring systems to enhance productivity, improve water management, and provide real-time crop forecasting. We conducted rigorous experimentation on the framework. We achieve an accuracy of 87.38% for the proposed model in predicting data harvest. Our findings highlight the effectiveness and transparency of the framework, underscoring the significant potential of the IoT in transforming agriculture and empowering farmers with data-driven decision-making capabilities. The proposed framework might be very impactful in real-life agriculture, especially for monsoon agriculture-based countries like Bangladesh.

Women are recognized as proactive catalysts for societal change in rural Bangladesh because of their significant socio-economic contributions to agricultural practices. Historically, they have been closely associated with various agricultural activities ranging from seed preservation to crop harvesting. Despite their vital role in the rural economy, women farmers have encountered a number of obstacles resulting from the adaptation of neoliberal agrarian policies. In recent decades, women's participation in the agricultural sector has declined, which can be attributed to the influence of capitalist patriarchy on agricultural practices. Grounded on this argument, this present study aims to investigate a research question: What are the major challenges to women's participation in agricultural practices in Bangladesh? In order to answer this question, data has been collected through in-depth interviews and household surveys from three villages of Jaldhaka Upazila in the Nilphamari district of northwestern Bangladesh. The findings of this paper argue that women's participation in agriculture is challenged by the effects of the neoliberal policy perspective, such as the mechanization of agriculture, commercial land use, and land inequality, which continue to ratify patriarchy in agriculture. In such a situation, this study suggests women's empowerment could be effectively facilitated by adopting agricultural policies that are specifically tailored to address gender dynamics, emphasizing the active engagement and meaningful representation of women in the processes of policy formulation and execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The north-western part of Bangladesh especially the Barind region is considered as a drought-prone area. The objective of this paper is to find out the adaptation measures practised by farmers to cope with climate change and agricultural drought in two drought-prone villages of the north-western Bangladesh. The primary data for this study were collected from a structured questionnaire survey conducted on 130 households selected from 192 through simple random sampling. The present study finds that agriculture of this area is recurrently disrupted by frequent drought events. Moreover, the climate change will increase both frequency and magnitude of extreme drought events in this region. This paper identifies that the impacts of drought on agriculture are difficulties in irrigation, disruption in cropping pattern, depletion of ground water table, problem in fish cultivation and so on. On the other hand, analyses unveil that respondents practised a range of adjustment strategies to combat adverse impacts of drought such as adoptions of drought-tolerant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting, mango and jujube intercropping with rice, kitchen gardening, weed control and reducing water loss, constructing water control structures, irrigation and cultivation of fast-growing fish species. Therefore, the present study recommends proper drought early warning system, reserving surface water, managing supplemental irrigation, tree plantation, re-excavation of canals and traditional ponds, credit support to the farmers, preparedness and awareness rising to ensure the future sustainable agricultural development in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether gender of household head is associated with the household's decision to adopt technology and commercial agriculture in rural Bangladesh. It further investigates if household food security of the adopters differs significantly on the basis of gender of the household head. By using χ² test and Cramer's V statistic this paper finds evidence to suggest that adoption of both technology and of commercialisation of agriculture in rural Bangladesh significantly differs between male-headed and female-headed households. The incidence of adoption among the female-led households is low possibly because they are constrained by lack of access to input, credit, and extension services. It is also found that household food security of the adopters improves irrespective of gender of the household head. Thus the policy implication of the study is that technology adoption and commercial farming may have good prospect for improving household food security of rural farm households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global food production system. Large-scale food producing countries restricted exports for food  sovereignty, while small and import-dependent countries are at risk. After COVID-19 pandemic, integrated and planned action is necessary to overcome this global stalemate. In this review paper, we have tried to show the damage caused to global agriculture as well as in Bangladesh due to COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the prospects and tasks of Bangladesh in the post-pandemic global economy have also been discussed. Due to the middlemen-based marketing system in Bangladesh, farmers have been deprived of their profits from  the early period. The government should move forward with a long-term planning to find alternative food market such as processing and export alongside the one-way marketing system. On the other hand, it will benefit the farmers' community of Bangladesh, as well as ensure global food security after this pandemic., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

In agrarian society, land is a critical resource. Not only does access to arable land increase food security and household income, it also provides resources to cope with any environmental stresses. In most cases, in the low-income developing regions land distribution is very heterogeneous. Based on empirical research in coastal Bangladesh, this article explores patterns in land ownership among the local farmers, discussing how gender, ethnicity, religion, and status relate to farm size, playing a critical role in shaping the heterogeneous distribution of land ownership. Historical patterns of inequality and marginality influence land distribution patterns as the historical 'Zamindar system' in the region reinforced elite control. Colonial and post-colonial expansion into climate-vulnerable regions fuelled land expropriation. Cultural constructions of gender create challenges for females owning land. These legacies impact current land ownership patterns. Land distribution informs who is struggling with limited resources and who needs financial subsidies or other forms of support in times of crisis. Even though this paper has a regional focus, it provides critical insights and caution about overlooked assumptions of resource distribution, poverty, and development that can be applied to other parts of the Global South facing similar social, economic and postcolonial legacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, with low‐income countries being disproportionately impacted. However, these countries often face market frictions that hinder their ability to adopt effective adaptation strategies. In this paper, I explore the role of credit market failures in limiting adaptation. To achieve this, I collaborate with a large microfinance institution and offer a randomly selected group of farmers access to guaranteed credit through an "Emergency Loan" following a negative climate shock. I document three key results. First, farmers who have access to the emergency loan make less costly adaptation choices and are less severely affected when a flood occurs. Second, I find no evidence of adverse spillover effects on households that did not receive the Emergency Loan. Finally, I demonstrate that providing the Emergency Loan is profitable for the microfinance institution, making it a viable tool for the private sector to employ in similar circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the challenges associated with implementing time-use surveys among agricultural households in developing countries and offers advice on best practices for two common measurement methods: stylized questions and time diaries. Using data from Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) surveys in Bangladesh and Uganda, it finds that stylized questions do not always produce shorter interviews compared to time diaries, and recall accuracy may depend on the regularity and saliency of the activity and enumerator abilities. The paper suggests that combining promising methodological innovations from other disciplines with mainstream time-use data collection methods would allow capture of both the quantity and quality of time and provide richer insights into gendered time-use patterns. Broadening the scope of time-use research to other aspects of well-being can help identify how time constraints contribute to gender inequality and inform the design of policies and interventions to relieve those constraints. HIGHLIGHTS Time-use surveys are essential for addressing gender disparities, yet little research has compared time-use survey methods in developing countries. Developing country agricultural contexts present unique logistical challenges to time-data collection, including low literacy and unfamiliarity with clock-oriented time. In Bangladesh and Uganda, there are systematic differences between time-use estimates obtained using stylized questions and time diaries. Men and women experience different emotions toward different types of work, and gender gaps exist in the distribution of pleasant and unpleasant activities. Learning from non-economics disciplines, including research on quality of time, leads to richer insights into gendered time-use patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) is a package of practices that could improve the sustainability of smallholder farm productivity and profitability. However, existing extension systems are unable to facilitate widespread adoption to have the impact necessary to meet food security and livelihood requirements. This paper examines the utility of 'Innovation Platforms' (IPs) as a tool to catalyse adoption of CASI for smallholder farmers in South Asia and generate opportunities for rural micro-entrepreneurship in areas with high rates of poverty, small farm sizes and complex labour markets. We established 37 village-level and five District-level IPs across the Eastern Gangetic Plains of Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. IPs allowed widespread uptake of CASI with benefits to smallholder farmers, input and output suppliers, and enabled extension systems to be more efficient. There was variability across locations with different modes of IPs established, building on existing farmer or community youth groups, and enabling micro-entrepreneur business opportunities. IPs were effective in developing trust in communities, among stakeholders, empowering rural youth and women through direct engagement. Ensuring strong ownership was key. Further work is needed to provide opportunities for high-level policy support to assist IPs to have a wider impact in supporting large-scale adoption of CASI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the trends and movements of agricultural prices, industrial prices and the agricultural terms of trade in Bangladesh with annual data for the period 1952–2006. The ADF and KPSS tests results suggest that both agricultural and industrial prices have a unit root while the agricultural terms of trade is trend-stationary. These results remain unchanged if allowance is made in the unit root test for the possibility of a structural break during 1971–1975 (when Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan and experienced economic shocks) by applying the two-step procedure of Perron (1989 ). A simple Nerlovian agricultural price determination model is specified within the framework of aggregate demand and aggregate supply. The Johansen cointegration test results for the periods 1953–2006 and 1973–2006 suggest that there exists a cointegral relationship between agricultural prices, industrial prices, per-capita real income and the real exchange rate between the Bangladeshi taka and the US dollar under the restriction that per-capita real income and the real exchange rate are ‘long-run forcing variables’ in the sense of Pesaran and Shin (1995 ), and Pesaran, Shin and Smith (1996 ). The paper estimates a four-variable vector error-correction (VEC) model and conducts an impulse response analysis for the post-independence period, 1973–2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the agricultural sector contributes the economic growth, it also induces GHGs and causes environmental degradation. The effect of agriculture activities on environmental degradation receives attention last several years in environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) literature. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of agriculture activities (AGRI), energy consumption (EC), foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness (TO) on CO2 in the context of EKC hypothesis for the Next Eleven countries in the period of 1991–2019. For this purpose, we employ common correlated effects mean group estimator (CCEMG) to obtain panel and country-specific results. In addition, Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test is used to examine the pairwise causal relationship between variables. The results show that the EKC hypothesis, the inverted U-shape relationship between CO2 and GDP, is valid for Bangladesh, Mexico, Nigeria, Turkey, and the panel. FDI has significantly positive association with CO2 for South Korea and the panel. TO has significantly negative association with CO2 for Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico, and the panel but significantly positive relationship with CO2 in Philippines. Moreover, the focus variable AGRI has significantly negative association with CO2 for Bangladesh, Turkey, and the panel but significantly positive relationship with CO2 for Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injuries during cultivation of land are the significant causes of recession for an agricultural country like Bangladesh. Thousands of tools are used in agricultural farm having much probability of getting injury at their workplaces. For the injury prevention, proper hand tool designs need to be recommended with ergonomic evaluations. This paper represents the main causes of agricultural injuries among the Bangladeshi farmers. Effective interventions had been discussed in this paper to reduce the rate of injury. This study was carried out in the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh. Data on 434 agricultural injuries were collected and recorded. About 67% injuries of all incidents were due to hand tools, and the remaining 33% were due to machinery or other sources. Though most of the injuries were not serious, about 22% injuries were greater than or equal to AIS 2 (Abbreviated Injury Scale). The practical implication of this study is to design ergonomically fit agricultural hand tools for Bangladeshi farmers in order to avoid their injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines level, inequality, and change in women's empowerment in agriculture and its impact on crop productivity and efficiency using a nationally representative Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) of 5,780 and 6,195 households from the same villages in Bangladesh in 2012 and 2015 conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Results reveal that although women's empowerment score increased significantly from 0.64 to 0.73 between 2012 to 2015, only the top 40 per cent of households have an adequate level of women's empowerment in agriculture, that is, scored above the threshold level of 0.80. The gender-gap in empowerment also reduced significantly from 0.23 to 0.20 during the same period. Female labour input significantly increases productivity. Both women's empowerment in agriculture and a reduction in the gender-gap in empowerment significantly increase production efficiency as expected. Efficiency is significantly lower in the Feed the Future Zone. However, female labour use and female education significantly reduce efficiency although the effects are relatively small. The findings argue for policies specifically targeting women to enhance women's empowerment in agriculture and reduce the gender-gap in empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea level rise, tropical cyclones, saltwater intrusion, and coastal flooding along with many other natural hazards are increasingly common in many parts of the world, and regions like coastal Bangladesh are at the frontline of these impacts. Due, in part, to the ongoing climate crisis, male members of coastal households in Bangladesh are outmigrating temporarily or permanently. Reduced farm productivity can be blamed on this to a large extent. Men leave female members of their households behind in their coastal villages during the first phase of migration. This creates a new form of social injustice as women are not only exposed to the negative impacts of the climate crisis to a larger extent, but they also face the challenges of maintaining a farming livelihood as they confront patriarchal socio-cultural norms and expectations during the absence of male members of the families. Using the frameworks of critical development and political ecology, this paper unpacks how these farming women who stay in the rural villages in coastal Bangladesh have a higher social vulnerability then men do. More particularly, this paper illustrates the complex nature of social and environmental injustice, experienced by women because of the outmigration of male members of the households. An intersectional approach further explains how, in contrast to usual class / income privileges, religio-cultural norms and prohibitions result in women belonging to the ethno-religious majority being more vulnerable than minority women. This is due to restrictions from interacting alone with men to whom they are not related, which reduces their access to the knowledge and resources that flows though male-dominated social networks. This article contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions between humans and the environment, mediated by various social, cultural, and political factors, and provides critical policy insights on inclusive adaptation and long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly transforming Asian food systems are oriented largely towards domestic markets, yet literature on Asian crop booms deals almost exclusively with commodities produced for export. With reference to pangasius aquaculture in Bangladesh, we argue that 'domestic crop booms' - agricultural booms driven by domestic demand - are contributing to rapid social and ecological transformations in Asia and across the globe. We adopt a comparative multi-scalar approach, and develop the concept of 'livelihood pathways' as a means of understanding agrarian change associated with crop booms. The study reveals sharply divergent patterns of social change resulting from the pangasius boom, as experienced in two different village settings, despite underlying similarities in the processes of commodification evident in both. In addition to drawing attention to domestic crop booms and the diversity of transitions in which they result, the paper demonstrates the value of comparative multi-scalar analytical approaches and the importance of livelihood pathways in processes of agrarian change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is still no consensus in academic debate about the impacts of food price changes on smallholder farmers' food and nutrition security. This paper aims to show how food price changes affect food and nutrition security of smallholder households in the Rajshahi district in north-western Bangladesh. To better understand smallholders' adaptive capacity with respect to uncertainties regarding food price changes, it is crucial to look more closely at the decision-making processes of smallholder households in their dual role as producers and consumers of food (prosumers). Smallholder farmers report in focus group discussions that they diversify their cropping practices to be more resilient against food price uncertainties. However, this strategy can be only successful if they are able to invest in inputs. Farmers face several constraints when seeking to make use of opportunities to sell diverse crops given their dependence on different types of local and regional buyers of food commodities. Furthermore, it becomes obvious that an increase in food prices does not automatically relate to an increase in farm-gate prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of its potential, the adoption of rice-fish farming among smallholders in Bangladesh is low. This paper seeks to explain this low adoption by evaluating the rice-fish technology as one element of the household farming system. The adoption of the technology is associated with a range of technical, human, and institutional constraints. Rice-fish technology is not structured to address the food security goal of smallholders and, therefore, is adopted by only those who are better placed to assume the risks. This paper concludes that the adoption of the technology among this group of smallholders would accelerate when policymakers acknowledge its constraints and structure extension services accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the motivations behind farmers’ pesticide use in two regions of Bangladesh. The paper considers farmers’ knowledge of arthropods and their perceptions about pests and pest damage, and identifies why many farmers do not use recommended pest management practices. We propose that using the novel approach of classifying farmers according to their motivations and constraints rather than observed pesticide use can improve training approaches and increase farmers’ uptake and retention of more appropriate integrated pest management technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the impact of access to a telephone on rural households’ factor market opportunities. It answers two questions. First, does the use of a telephone have any impact on rural households’ factor market participation? Second, correcting for market participation, does the use of a telephone have any impact on the type of factor market participation? For the first question, the paper uses a bivariate probit to correct for omitted variable bias and for the second question, the paper uses a two-stage probit. The empirical findings suggest that access to a telephone has a significant positive impact on factor market participation. The difference in market participation between telephone users and non-users is around 14%. However, once a household participates in the market, the use of a telephone does not have any impact on specific factor market participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of mutant populations, followed by their characterization, offers a significant opportunity to isolate genotypes and genes with desired traits of interest. This paper assessed the agronomic performance, genetic variability, and yield-related characteristics of 22 M3 generation mutants (gamma ray-irradiated) of rice derived from a promising local rice genotype (Fatema dhan). The seeds of the selected mutants, the original parent, and three cultivars were grown in a randomized complete block design at the research farm of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh. Few mutants exhibited superior quantitative phenotypic traits compared with parental genotypes and check varieties. Mutant lines 1 and 83 required minimum days to reach maturity, and mutant lines 9, 17, and 80 exhibited significantly higher yield per plant than the parent and check varieties. Heritability analysis and genetic parameters revealed that genetic components mostly controlled all observed traits, with a minor influence on the environment. The higher phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic gain confirmed possible rice yield improvement through phenotypic selection. The traits, including days to first flowering and maturity, plant height, and panicle length, showed a significant positive correlation with yield. The principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained 69% of the total variation between genotypes. Thus, the promising mutant lines (1, 9, 17, 80, and 83) isolated in this study can serve for the development of high-yielding and early-maturing rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) value chain participation dynamics on the welfare of indigenous households using a three-wave household panel dataset from Bangladesh. An innovation of this study is that distributional effects of IAA value chain participation dynamics is investigated by examining economic impacts on all actors across the IAA value chains. We applied random-effects, standard fixed-effects, Heckit panel, and control function approaches to control for endogeneity of IAA value chain participation and unobserved heterogeneity. We found that IAA value chain participation is positively associated with household income and diet quality depicted by the consumption frequency of certain foods, especially fish consumption, and the benefits do not continue to accrue after discontinuing participation. The results also reveal that IAA value chain participation has higher impacts on the welfare of households who were involved in production related IAA value chain activities than upstream and downstream IAA value chain activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production in South Asia is characterized by intensive use of inputs, such as fertilizers and irrigation water, and by a focus on production of staple crops, especially rice. However, continued growth of the agriculture sector is hampered by a number of challenges. In Bangladesh, these challenges include declining productivity of inputs, resource degradation, and lack of crop diversification. Expansion of agricultural lands is not an option given high population density. Rather, greater efficiency in agricultural production is needed to increase benefits to small producers. This paper examined the benefits of key crop production decisions for rural livelihoods across Bangladesh in order to suggest ways in which producers can increase returns to crop production. The study used plot-level data from a household survey to estimate the relative contribution of various inputs and practices to the total value of production from a given plot over the course of one year. Results were run separately for upper and lower expenditure quintiles to compare production outcomes for richer and poorer households. Three key results emerged: (1) that urea subsidies yielded benefits, though these might not be reaching those that needed it most; (2) that access to groundwater resulted in better production outcomes than access to surface water; and (3) that returns were greater from plots where rice was rotated with other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using both household level and plot-level data from Northern Bangladesh, this paper analyzes the difference in agricultural productivity across different contractual arrangements among ultra-poor households. Employing the fixed-effect model on the pseudo panel data, the paper finds evidence of sub-optimal use of inputs and, consequently, lower productivity for lands cultivated under sharecropping contracts. The inefficiency on the part of sharecroppers is also evident from the stochastic frontier model. Although the paper finds that credit has no direct impact on productivity, the results of Logit estimates suggest that availability of credit induces households to opt for fixed-rental contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The unique characteristics of pineapples as a perennial plant, which guarantee their quick proliferation and adoption in both the tropics and subtropics, readily justify their economic significance. Although pineapple is a popular tropical fruit among Bangladeshi citizens, they continue to produce fewer pineapples than other international producers with limited export offerings. Hence, the study aimed to estimate the technological efficiency, prospects, and policies of pineapple growers in the northeastern district of Bangladesh. Methods: One hundred respondent growers were surveyed directly to gather cross-sectional data using a multistage sampling technique. The technical efficiency scores of individual farms were calculated using the stochastic frontier model with the technical inefficiency model for identifying factors responsible for inefficiency. Results: The technical efficiency scores range from about two-thirds to the absolute efficiency level, with a mean technical efficiency above the ninety percent level. The technical inefficiency effect model interpreted that farmers' age and education had a significant positive impact, whereas credit, training, and family size had a significant negative impact on inefficiency. Discussion: Findings indicated that sampled farmers may use inputs more efficiently and raise their yield by nearly one-twentieth. Therefore, the study suggests that the government should concentrate on strategies to attract young growers, as they are more capable of managing resources effectively and willing to accept technological breakthroughs. The study's conclusions have significant policy ramifications specifically in the areas of finance, education and skills, and rural development that the Government should consider to increase farmer's productivity and overcome various challenges while upholding national interests and ensuring the farming sector's continued prosperity. To commercialize pineapple production and establish Bangladesh as a prominent production zone, more research and development are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the issues relating to evaluating a mobile phone-based agricultural market information service designed for farmers in Bangladesh. The paper is grounded on a mixed methods research approach and case study supported by surveys and participant observations. The findings show and confirm that addressing the need assessment and "perceived ease of use" adequately, upholding management efficiency, adopting innovative strategies for sustainability, getting the involvement of local stakeholders, deploying appropriate technology to make the service fully accessible by targeted end-users, and processing and disseminating qualitative, and useful content are the major aspects of a good service. The lessons learned from the case study can be of special interest for academicians as well as for practitioners who are particularly concerned with the use of mobile technologies for rural development in emerging economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

James Scott's influential work has popularized the notion that everyday resistance among the peasantry takes covert and backstage forms, termed ‘weapons of the weak’. This paper, however, provides a case study involving transformation of covert resistance and outward compliance of the poor into open dissent and confrontation with power-holders, though falling well short of the limiting conditions of rebellion or revolution. Such instances serve to dispel the notion that poor and weak groups adopt only covert forms of resistance in their everyday existence. The paper takes up the questions of why, and under what circumstances, such transformation of covert resistance into overt forms can come about. These issues are explored using evidence from a poor peasant mobilization in rural Bangladesh during the parliamentary election of 1986. The analysis shows that there were sequential shifts in the respective strategies of domination and resistance of the rich and the poor, which shaped each other interactively over a dynamic trajectory. Such adaptive and variable responses require an approach that can accommodate flexibility and substitution in the strategies adopted by the weak and the powerful. These also call for further exploration and analysis of the middle ground between everyday and exceptional forms of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite record national output in the early years of this decade there is widespread concern that rice yields in Bangladesh are below those attainable, and that given future population growth this may constrain achievement of food security and poverty reduction objectives. A frequent response to this problem is that farmers could close the gap between actual farm yields and potential yields identified in field trials if farmers who are technically inefficient could improve their current farming practices. This paper estimates and explains technical efficiency for a sample of rice farmers in Bangladesh employing Bayesian methods. The results provide insights into the distribution of technical efficiency and identify important influences on rice growing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological progress has helped Bangladesh to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production in 2001 from a heavy import-dependence, despite doubling of population and a reduction in arable land since its independence in 1971. As the adoption of modern varieties (MV) of rice is reaching a plateau, particularly for the irrigated ecosystem, an important issue is whether the research system will be able to sustain the growth of production. The present paper addresses the following questions: (i) to what extent farmers have been replacing the old MV with the new MV, and (ii) what has been the impact of the variety replacement on productivity and profitability. How crucial is the continuous research and release of improved rice varieties toward improving farm production and income for farmers comes out as a clear message to policymakers from the current paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is in a subtropical monsoon region and extends from 20°34'N to 26°38'N latitude, its agriculture is comprised of several diversified rice-based cropping systems. Potato is an important winter crop across the country. To help increase the sustainability of potato production in Bangladesh, a set of medium-term late blight-resistant potato clones bred in CIP were evaluated for diversification potential at six locations from 2008 to 2013. After seven years of field trials, TCRC, BARI identified two clones, namely CIP 393371.58 (coded LB-6) and CIP 393280.64 (LB-7) which are consistently resistant to Late Blight under field conditions without fungicide and yield as well or better than the predominant commercial varieties (Diamant) in a 90-day cropping window. According to the AUDPC, LB-4, LB-5, LB-6 and LB-7 were moderate to highly resistant to Late Blight. The latter two produced over 30 tons of tubers per hectare. Similar yields were recorded in on-farm trials during 2011-12. These two clones were entered into regional yield trials as a requirement for variety release by the NSB. Based on field performance at on-station and farmers' fields, NSB released BARI Alu-46 (LB-7) in 2013 and BARI Alu-53 (LB-6) in 2014 as the country's two late blight-resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines changing agrarian institutions in south-western Bangladesh where a large number of farmers, small and large, have switched from rice farming to export-oriented freshwater prawn farming within the last decade. The local economy boomed until ecological and managerial problems began to threaten the sustainability of the farming activities. At the same time, the impact of global competition is forcing the industry to adopt so-called global standards concerning food safety and sanitary conditions. This demands the restructuring of the local supply chain at the bottom of which a significant number of small farmers are struggling to survive. It is argued that this restructuring is leading to small farmers' reduced access to financial capital, and possibly to changes in ownership patterns of freshwater prawn farms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is an essential input for food production, but at the same time N raises serious concerns for air, water and soil pollution due to its overuse. Research shows that N use is influenced by socio-economic factors beyond the environmental circumstances while heavily depending on the agronomic practices and technologies used. Micro-level studies based on real farm observations are still scarce in this context. Therefore, this study estimated N use efficiency (NUE) and its climatic and socio-economic determinants, as well as N 2 O and NH 3 emissions from organic and inorganic fertiliser-amended fields. Through exploring primary data collected from 155 wheat growers from north-western Bangladesh, we estimated NUE of wheat production as the ratio of the total quantity of N produced in the harvested grain and the total quantity of N applied to soil through inorganic and organic fertilisers. Then we estimate a Tobit model to determine the socio-economic and farm-level practices influencing NUE. Finally, for N 2 O and NH 3 emissions, we applied region-specific emission factors, which are not sensitive to management practices but can give an approximation of emission and emission intensity of the production. The estimated mean NUE for North-West Bangladesh was 37.4%, which widely varied across different farm categories and farming practices used. Agronomic practices, including those induced by climate change, positively contributed to NUE. NUE was higher for the farmers cultivating high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and short-duration wheat varieties. NUE significantly increased when a farmer applied a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers. Irrigation water pricing was critical in NUE since it influences farmers' water management practices. A notable quantity of N loss as N 2 O (5.98 kg/ha) and NH 3 (45.58 kg/ha) was emitted, and the farms managed by landless and marginal farmers emitted quantities more than others. Farmers with better landholding size, education and access to extension services operated at a relatively higher level of NUE. The policy suggestions to increase NUE include strengthening extension services, particularly for promoting a balanced supply of nutrients from organic and inorganic fertilisers, promoting volumetric irrigation water pricing and encouraging long-term tenurial arrangement. The paper is relevant to policy makers since, unlike earlier works based on experimental data, it estimates more robust indices of NUE and considers the role of different farms and farmer-specific socio-economic, anthropogenic and institutional factors in farm production. Finally, the paper estimates N 2 O and NH 3 emissions associated with wheat production. [Display omitted] • Low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a concern in crop production in Bangladesh, along with many countries globally. • Analysing farm survey data, the paper estimated NUE, gaseous emissions inferred based on presumed defaults. • The estimated mean NUE was 37.4% which was found to be related to several socioeconomic factors. • Farm data, as opposed to experimental data, allowed assessing the effects of variables on NUE that would be hard otherwise. • The paper is novel in finding agronomic, socioeconomic and environmental determinants of NUE including climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a rapid transformation afoot in the rice value chain in Asia. The upstream is changing quickly-farmers are undertaking capital-led intensification and participating in burgeoning markets for land rental, fertilizer and pesticides, irrigation water, and seed, and shifting from subsistence to small commercialized farms; in some areas landholdings are concentrating. Midstream, in wholesale and milling, there is a quiet revolution underway, with thousands of entrepreneurs investing in equipment, increasing scale, diversifying into higher quality, and the segments are undergoing consolidation and vertical coordination and integration. Mills, especially in China, are packaging and branding, and building agent networks in wholesale markets, and large mills are building direct relationships with supermarkets. The downstream retail segment is undergoing a "supermarket revolution," again with the lead in change in China. In most cases the government is not playing a direct role in the market, but enabling this transformation through infrastructural investment. The transformation appears to be improving food security for cities by reducing margins, offering lower consumer rice prices, and increasing quality and diversity of rice. This paper discusses findings derived from unique stacked surveys of all value chain segments in seven zones, more and less developed, around Bangladesh, China, India, and Vietnam., (© 2014 New York Academy of Sciences.)

This paper explores the viability of utilizing agricultural biomass-based energy potential, employing mathematical, engineering, and economic modeling techniques. Moreover, the potential of a biogas-based co-digestion (CD) system, integrating its techno-economic performance and environmental sustainability in terms of electricity generation, has also been studied. In this investigation, the categorization of 25 different plant species into two groups: arable field crops (AFCs) and horticultural plants (HPs), was performed. Data was collected during the 2021‐–2022 cropping season in Bangladesh from various sources, including literature reviews, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. The findings revealed that the available agricultural biomass residues, totaling 1,02,585.75 KT, have the capacity to generate 1,33,815 million m3/year of biogas. This energy potential corresponds to 291,125.85 TJ/year or 9231.60 MW of electricity, which can fulfill 88% of the national total energy demand. In terms of levelized cost, the proposed approach is more competitive and shows a greater promise compared to other technologies. Furthermore, it demonstrates environmental friendliness by reducing CO 2 emissions by 156 tons at a cost of $7/ton while earning $1092 annually from the potential carbon-credit market. This approach presents a potential solution to address Bangladesh's energy crisis. The payback period of the system ranged from 2.93 to 3.75 years, with and without the inclusion of a slurry, respectively. The recommended methods hold significant promise for meeting national energy demands. A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. This study is the first of its kind, providing valuable insights into the renewable energy potential in Bangladesh. The results will assist policymakers in formulating sustainable energy policies. • Mathematics, engineering, economics and environmental modeling explored renewable energy. • Techno-economics and environmental sustainability validated the proposed methodology. • Bioenergy-based electricity could supply 88% of the national energy demand of Bangladesh. • A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: More than 80% of all smokeless tobacco (ST) products in the world are consumed in South Asia; yet little is known about their consumption behaviour, addictiveness, and toxic properties. This paper, for the first time, describes associations between salivary cotinine concentrations among ST users in Bangladesh and their socio-demographic characteristics and tobacco use behaviours. Methods: In a survey of ST users in Dhaka, Bangladesh, we purposively recruited 200 adults who were non-smokers but consumed ST on a regular basis. In-person interviews were conducted to obtain information about socio-demographic and ST use behaviours, and saliva samples were collected to measure cotinine concentration. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to test associations between the log transformed salivary cotinine concentration and other study variables. Results: The geometric mean of cotinine concentration among ST users was 380ng/ml (GSD:2). Total duration of daily ST use in months had a statistically significant association with cotinine concentration. Other ST use characteristics including type and quantity of ST use, swallowing of tobacco juice, urges and strength of urges and attempts to cut down on tobacco use were not found to be associated with cotinine concentration in a multivariable model. Conclusion: This is the first report from Bangladesh studying cotinine concentration among ST users and it points towards high levels of addiction. This warrants effective tobacco control policies to help ST cessation and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition since the 1990s, many still suffer from undernutrition and food insecurity, particularly women and young children, resulting in preterm birth, low birthweight and stunting, among other conditions. Helen Keller International (HKI) has addressed malnutrition and household food insecurity through implementation of an Enhanced Homestead Food Production (EHFP) programme that increases year ‐ round availability and intake of diverse micronutrient ‐ rich foods and promotes optimal nutrition and hygiene practices among poor households. This paper reviews the evolution and impact of HKI's EHFP programme and identifies core components of the model that address the underlying determinants of stunting. To date, evaluations of EHFP have shown impact on food production, consumption by women and children and household food security. Sale of surplus produce has increased household income, and the use of a transformative gender approach has empowered women. EHFP has also realized nutrition improvements in many project sites. Results from a randomized control trial (RCT) in Baitadi district, Nepal showed a significant improvement in a range of practices known to impact child growth, although no impact on stunting. Additional non ‐ RCT evaluations in Kailali district of Nepal, demonstrated a 10.5% reduction in stunting and in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, revealed an 18% decrease in stunting. Based on evidence, the EHFP has evolved into an integrated package that includes agriculture, nutrition, water/hygiene/sanitation, linkages to health care, women's empowerment, income generation and advocacy. Closing the stunting gap requires long ‐ term exposure to targeted multi ‐ sectoral solutions and rigorous evaluation to optimize impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, 53 % of domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were generated in the agriculture and other land use sectors in 2005. However, no specified measures for climate change mitigation have thus far been designated nationally in these sectors. In this paper, we quantified future greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation potentials through 2025 by using the Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use Bottom-up model to clarify cost-effective technological options under different mitigation cost scenarios. We found that (1) GHG emissions of 69.1 MtCOeq (Million tons of carbon dioxide (CO) equilivalent)/year will be generated from the agriculture and land use sectors in 2025 in a baseline scenario, (2) a reduction of 32 MtCO-eq/year (a 47 % reduction from baseline emissions) is possible at a cost of as much as US$10/tCO-eq in 2025, (3) in agriculture, an emissions reduction of 10 MtCO-eq/year could be achieved by implementing midseason drainage in rice cultivation, generating bioenergy from livestock manure, and replacing roughage with concentrated feed at mitigation cost of US$10/tCO-eq in 2025, and (4) in the other land use sector, a mean annual mitigation potential of 6.5 MtCO-eq/year can be achieved with a total mitigation cost of less than US$10 million (52 % of baseline land use emissions in 2025). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The improvements in nutrition status in Bangladesh, particularly child nutrition outcomes, have been relatively slow, despite remarkable improvements in the country's food situation as well as in the health sector. At present more than 40% of children under 5 years of age are stunted., Objective: To examine the specific food, agriculture, and health policies that have existed and currently exist in Bangladesh from the perspective of nutrition and identify gaps in the policy framework for which improvements in nutrition have been slow., Methods: Policy documents, public financial and budget documents, and related papers were reviewed. Several interviews with former civil servants and bureaucrats were conducted., Results: The approach to achieving food security has been a partial one, with policy provisions focusing excessively on increasing the availability of food, primarily rice. The "accessibility" pillar of food security has received little attention, while the neglect of the "utilization" pillar is conspicuous by the dearth of appropriate policies and laws for ensuring food safety. The efforts in the health sector have largely concentrated on expanding the coverage of primary healthcare, with little consideration of equity and quality., Conclusions: There exists a wide window of unexplored opportunity to align the remarkable increases in food production and advances in the health sector with nutrition considerations toward an improved nutrition status in Bangladesh.

The study aims to get insights into virtual land, water flows from producers' perspectives for cereal crops and trade in Bangladesh and provides insights into the carbon emissions from agriculture. For this purpose, FAO's cereals area, production and yield, food balance sheets, detailed trade matrix, GHG emissions, and population data for the year 2014-17 were used. Cereal water footprints data were obtained from the secondary literature. The study finds that 8% of domestic cereal supply (70% wheat, 17% maize, and 2% rice and related products) was imported through international trade. The annual average virtual cropland area and water imported through trade of 6.9 million tonnes of the three cereal crops (excluding products) were 2.1 million ha and 14 billion m3, respectively, during 2014-17. Bangladesh would need additional 2.81 million ha land and 12 billion m3 water to be cereal selfsufficient. Energy used in agriculture, including mechanization and irrigation, adds to GHG emissions, and there is potential to use renewable energy sources to reduce the GHG emissions from agriculture. An integrated management of water, energy, and carbon should be considered as one of the strategies to reduce GHG emissions from agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a PROMETHEE multicriteria outranking-based approach for prioritizing agricultural interventions to alleviate climate change on a farm basis. The drought-prone areas of Rajshahi and flood-saline-prone areas of Barisal in rural Bangladesh were chosen as case studies. A number of existent agricultural interventions have been comparatively evaluated upon several diversified criteria. The process of evaluation was held through an online survey to experts with knowledge in rice farming and climate change effects in Bangladesh. The findings indicate that water storage systems were prioritized first in northern drought area, whereas the introduction of improved rice varieties in flood-saline south was of the highest importance. Furthermore, the combined implementation of water storage, improved rice varieties, and seminars on agricultural management to farmers was signified as an integrated response to climate change for both regions. The findings were already presented to key stakeholders where a strong support for the combined implementation of the suggested interventions in pilot sites was given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to portray a general situation on the microbiological spoilage aspects of agriculture and focus on the necessary management schemes of microbiological contamination aiming to deliver information on the public health safety. Design/methodology/approach – A substantial number of local studies on nutritional policies have been performed earlier; however, the microbiological quality control of the agricultural products is still scarce. This review analyzes the microbiological aspects of local agricultural products together with the study findings relevant to food safety as published both globally and locally. Findings – Ongoing awareness on the microbiological quality in accordance to the recommended microbiological limit of different fresh produces would deliver a practical outcome in the safe crop management. Information on microorganisms contaminating agricultural products is expected to ensure public health safety especially within the developing countries along with Bangladesh. Originality/value – The improvements in agriculture status in Bangladesh, particularly in microbiological quality perspective, have been relatively slow, principally due to lack of knowledge on the health risks within the mass population caused by microorganisms harbored through the agricultural products. The novelty of the current review, thus, underlies the necessity of microbiological quality management of the agricultural products, projection on the specific microorganisms contaminating the agricultural products and possible disease outbreaks caused by the consumption of these contaminated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrate a method for measuring the effect of spatial interactions on the use of hybrid rice using a unique, nationally representative data set from Bangladesh. In order to circumvent the 'reflection problem', we consider an identification and estimation strategy employing a generalised spatial two-stage least squares procedure with near-ideal instruments to effectively identify causal influences. Results indicate that neighbour effects are a significant determinant of hybrid rice use. Further, using two specifications of spatial network systems, one based on same-village membership (irrespective of distance) and the other based on geographical distance (irrespective of village boundary), we demonstrate that a network including nearby hybrid rice adopters is more influential than a network of more distant hybrid rice adopters, and merely having a network with a large number of adopters may be relatively meaningless if they are far away. Furthermore, we show that these network effects are much more important to hybrid cultivation than interactions with agricultural extension officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]