Search

Insect resistant genetically modified Bt cotton (containing a gene of Bacillus thuringiensis) has substantial potentiality of mounting cotton productivity. This study unveils an early insight on the economic viability of Bt cotton in Bangladesh. A total of 248 traditional cotton farmers and 8 Bt cotton experimental fields were surveyed in April 2022 for achieving the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that the cost of Bt cotton production was slightly higher than that of conventional cotton. However, Bt cotton yielded a productivity increase of 0.81 t/ha. The cultivation of Bt cotton resulted in a higher net return (USD 2436/ha) compared to conventional cotton (USD 1624/ha). The results further indicated that the use of insecticides and pesticides in Bt cotton was significantly lower compared to traditional cotton, thereby contributing to the preservation of the natural environment. Overall, cultivation of Bt cotton is economically viable and may generate environmental benefits. Steps are warranted to disseminate and expand its cultivation.

Renewable energy resources are critical for reducing poverty and addressing the energy shortage. Renewable energy technologies have been slow to gain traction in Bangladesh. This study examines the factors that influence biogas adoption and the effects on income and poverty levels. A total of 400 respondents were surveyed to achieve the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a set of econometric models. According to the results, approximately one-third of the respondents used biogas technology. Respondents’ perceptions of reduced cooking fuel costs and modern communication technologies such as internet connectivity and mobile phone use played a major role in their adoption decision. The likelihood of adoption is 11.9 per cent and 56.7 per cent higher for those who have access to the internet and mobile phone compared to their counterparts. Adopters of biogas have between 13 and 27 per cent higher per capita household income than non-adopters. Based on radius matching, the household poverty gap is approximately 16 per cent lower for biogas adopters than non-adopters. Modifying the extension approach through the use of modern communication techniques can help achieve widespread adoption. The availability of capital may play a vital role in adoption. There is a need to promote the role of biogas technology in anti-poverty programmes​ in Bangladesh.

Rice production in Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate-related risk such as drought, which contributes to food insecurity. Adoption of drought-tolerant rice varieties can play an important role in increasing productivity, food grain supply, and income. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have measured the welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in the South Asian and Bangladeshi context. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that influence the intensity of adoption and welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in Bangladesh. To accomplish these objectives, 300 rice growers from three drought-prone districts of Bangladesh were surveyed. To analyze the impacts, the entire sample was divided into three groups depending on their share of land under drought-tolerant rice variety cultivation: full adopters, partial adopters, and non-adopters. The descriptive statistics, two-limit Tobit model and multivalued treatment effect models were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, training as well as technology-related factors play a major role in boosting the intensity of adoption. Full adopters of drought-tolerant varieties receive 1222–1473 kg higher yield per hectare compared to non-adopters. Based on several treatment effect models, the impact on income ranges from 3.46% to 4.22%. When compared to non-adopters, full adopters can consume 1.02–1.29 months more rice from their own production in a year. Shows about climate change and other relevant topics should be broadcast on the television on a regular basis to raise awareness. Modifying the extension method with modern communication technologies will aid in widespread adoption of new technologies. Drought-tolerant rice varieties can help to mitigate the harmful effects of drought and alleviate poverty in drought-prone areas.

The impacts of COVID-19 are jeopardizing the lives of coastal shrimp producers in Bangladesh. This study compares shrimp farmers’ livelihood status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic by employing the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) developed by the Department for International Development (DFID). A total of 250 shrimp farmers were surveyed to achieve the objectives. Findings indicated that COVID-19 had a detrimental effect on the livelihood status of shrimp farmers. The total livelihood diversification score was higher (0.53) before COVID-19 than during COVID-19 (0.43). During COVID-19, the cost of shrimp production increased considerably compared to before COVID-19, reducing profitability. Ensuring adequate capital supply, access to health facilities, and appropriate coverage of social safety-net programs might help mitigate the negative effects on livelihood status.

In crab production, the term fattening is used when underweight soft-shelled crablets are stocked and reared for a few weeks until their gonad develops. Mud crab fattening has become a popular adaptation strategy in response to climate change in coastal Bangladesh. This study aimed to estimate the profitability and resource use efficiency of mud crab fattening in coastal areas. Primary data were collected from 150 randomly selected crab farmers. Descriptive statistics and the Cobb–Douglas production function were used to estimate mud crab fattening profitability and efficiency. Results of the study revealed that the variable and total costs of mud crab production were USD 4293 and USD 6104, respectively. The net return amounted to USD 4418 per hectare, while the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) was 1.72. Crablets, feed, and bamboo fencing (locally known as bana) positively affected the productivity. The optimal use of these resources could enhance resource use efficiency. Crab fattening was affected by some constraints, including disease infestation, poor quality of crablet, shortage of capital, and insufficient technical knowledge of production. Providing training on crab fattening and establishing sufficient numbers of crablet hatcheries could enhance the profitability and resource use efficiency of this farming.

This study examines the drivers of improved livestock management practices (ILMP) adoption in rural Bangladesh using data from the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI) Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS). This study investigated four improved management practices: artificial insemination, concentrate feed, vaccination, and deworming. The binary logit and multivariate probit (MVP) models were used to analyse the data. According to the findings, approximately 65% of farmers practiced deworming, but only about 20% of farmers vaccinated their livestock. Logit regression analysis suggested that rural households with mobile phones and televisions were 5.2% and 3.8% more likely to adopt. Furthermore, compared to their peers, farmers who have maintained contact with livestock extension agents are 11% more likely to adopt. The MVP model indicated that likelihood of using concentrate feed increases with income, while artificial insemination is more prevalent among farmers who raise livestock for sale. Policy implication included the need for more extension agent-delivered awareness development programmes to educate livestock farmers on the benefits of ILMP. Scale-appropriate management practices can also play an important role. Farmers should be guaranteed of the availability of livestock feed and veterinary services at reasonable prices to promote adoption.