The excessive consumption of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), two vital nutrients for living organisms, is associated with negative environmental and health impacts. While food production contributes to a large amount of N and P loss to the environment, very little N and P is consumed as food. Food habits are affected by multiple regulations, including the dietary restrictions and dictates of various religions. In this study, religion-sensitive N-Calculator and P-Calculator approaches were used to determine the impact of religious dietary culture on the food N and P footprints of India in the major religious communities. Using 2013 data, the food N footprint of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists was 10.70, 11.45, 11.47, and 7.39 kg-N capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ (10.82 kg-N capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ was the national average), and the food P footprint was 1.46, 1.58, 1.04. and 1.58 kg-P capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ (1.48 kg-P capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ was the national average). The findings highlight the impact of individual choice on the N and P food footprints, and the importance of encouraging the followers of religion to follow a diet consistent with the food culture of that religion. The results of this study are a clear indication of the requirement for religion-sensitive analyses in the collecting of data pertinent to a particular country for use in making government policies designed to improve the recycling of food waste and the treatment of wastewater.

This study assessed the export potential of pangasius and tilapia by considering quality standards and safety compliances of processing plants and exporters (the same companies) in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected by interviewing ten of these companies. It was found that they followed the seven principles of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) as a basis of food safety management. Almost 90 percent of the processing plants had a system of records documenting these rules and all of them were strict in maintaining hygienic conditions, had adequate processing equipment and product configuration systems. A comparative advantage of pangasius and tilapia export from Bangladesh to the US, Europe and the Middle East as fillets, dressed and whole fish were also identified. The major opportunity of enhancing export and thereby ensure earnings and foreign currencies was identified as a continued focus on large farming quantities, combined with that processing and exporters live up to the HACCP rules. Introducing eco-labels allowing products to obey to supermarket requirements at export markets and enhancing environment friendliness in production are further opportunities. It was recommended that the companies engage in contract farming to ensure quality raw material and thereby a reasonable export price

The study was conducted to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of water saving technologies (WST) on Boro rice (Oryza sativa; var. BRRIdhan 29) farming in Bangladesh. A total of 480 farmers (80 focal and 400 control) were selected as sample from Mymensingh, Comilla, Bogra and Gaibandha districts. Focal farmers were selected purposively and a limited amount of financial support was provided to them to implement WST. On the other hand, control farmers were selected randomly. They did not receive any financial support and continued practicing conventional irrigation methods. For analyzing the data, a combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used. The study revealed that 62.5 and 37.5 percent of focal farmers adopted alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and system of rice intensification (SRI) methods, respectively where the majority of them were within the late majority group in terms of adoption. The profitability and productivity of Boro rice, as well as water productivity, was comparatively higher for focal farmers compared to control farmers. Furthermore, focal farmers’ water requirement was significantly lower than control farmers. The study also revealed that focal farmers’ income from rice production was 24.6 percent higher than control farmers. Input support, motivation, training programmes and extension services are recommended to implement in order to raise the awareness and enrich the knowledge of the farmers on water saving technologies.

The study assessed the economic, environmental and sustainability issues of organic shrimp farming in Bangladesh. Following stratified random sampling technique, 60 farmers were interviewed from several villages of Assasuni upazila under Satkhira district. The study revealed that productivity of organic shrimp per hectare was 383 pound and benefit cost ratio was 1.91 which meant that organic shrimp farming was highly profitable. Educational level of household head, gher size and knowledge on organic shrimp production had positive and significant influence in adopting organic shrimp production by the farmers. Cause-effect-mitigation analysis pointed out that organic shrimp farming could mitigate the adverse effects on environment caused by traditional shrimp farming. Appropriate climate and environment for organic shrimp culture was found as major strength and comparative profitability than traditional shrimp production was found as major opportunity of organic shrimp production. The study confirmed sustainability of organic shrimp production from the standpoint of consuming energy, protecting environment, economic feasibility and social/political equity. The study recommends that farmers should be trained to follow the work instructions and principles of organic shrimp production and the application of good management practices (GMPs) should be ensured for reducing the disease outbreak risk.

The study was accomplished to identify the factors determining land conversion in Bangladesh and evaluate farmers’ perception about the changing land use decision. Data were collected from Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Khulna districts of Bangladesh. A total of 300 sample farmers were interviewed following purposive and random sampling technique. For analyzing data, a combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques were used. Descriptive statistics showed that average household and farm size of the farmers were 5.0 and 0.47 hectare, respectively. Percentage perception index demonstrated that most of the respondents experienced climatic changes having negative impacts on agricultural activities. Agreement index depicted that natural calamities caused stern damage to respondents’ cultivable land, assets, agricultural enterprises and basic livelihood necessities. From the result of Logit model it was found that farming experience, disaster loss, farmer’s educational level, annual income, access to credit, farmer’s age andsaline water intrusion were the significant determinants of changing land use decision in the study areas. Farmers’ livelihood assets namely, human, social, financial, natural and physical capitals were improved to a noticeable extent after their land shifting decision. The study recommended that training provision, motivational programmes and extension contact should be properly implemented by the government as well as non-government organizations to aware the farmers about pros and cons of land conversion and to choose the best land use decision for livelihood improvement.

The research was conducted to evaluate the problems and prospects of adopting conservation agriculture in Jamalpur and Bogra districts of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers (20 from focal and 100 from control group) were surveyed for collecting necessary data and information. A combination of descriptive statistics and mathematical techniques was used to analyze the data. Focal farmers followed the basic principles of conservation agriculture but control farmers continued conventional crop farming practices. Focal farmers were more profitable compared to control farmers in terms of wheat and bean production. Less production due to minimum tillage, difficulties in maintenance, lack of extension service etc. was the major problems faced by the farmers. Knowledge on soil conservation and soil quality improvement, use of organic fertilizer, etc. was found as strengths; management of crop residue, scarcity of cowdung, etc. were found as weaknesses; labour opportunities, market demand, etc. were found as opportunities; and climate change and price fluctuation were found as threats of adopting conservation agriculture. Regular extension contact, arrangement of training programmes and input support are to be ensured by different government and non-government organizations to motivate farmers for adopting conservation agriculture practice.

The study was conducted to assess the impact of conservation agriculture practice on livelihood status of farmers in Bangladesh. A total of 300 farmers (50 focal, 100 proximal and 150 control) from five districts (Mymensingh, Bogra, Tangail, Sherpur and Jamalpur) were selected. Focal farmers were selected purposively; and proximal and control farmers were selected randomly. Descriptive statistics like sum, averages, percentages and ratios were calculated to evaluate the socioeconomic data as well as to identify the nature and extent of conservation agriculture practiced. Expenditure elasticity measured the responsiveness of change in expenditure of the farmers with change in income. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis and Ravallion test were done to evaluate the impact of conservation agriculture practice on farmers’ income and expenditure. Multidimensional poverty index (MPI) was used to document the intensity of poverty. About 26.0, 25.0 and 18.6 percent focal, proximal and control farmers, respectively had basic knowledge about conservation agriculture practice; and 28.0, 19.0 and 15.3 percent, respectively received training on such practice. The adoption of different principles of conservation agriculture practice by focal farmers was satisfactory. The BCRs (Benefit cost ratio) for practicing conservation agriculture of focal, proximal and control farmers was 2.15, 2.07 and 1.92, respectively. The results of DID analysis and Ravallion test indicated that the impact of conservation agriculture practice on average annual income and expenditure of the farmers was statistically significant. The expenditure elasticity of focal, proximal and control farmers was 0.31, 0.44 and 0.58 percent, respectively. A remarkable improvement in farmers’ livelihood status was found after adopting conservation agriculture practice. Input support, motivation, training programmes and extension services by different government and non-government organizations should be properly implemented to raise the awareness and enrich the knowledge of the farmers on conservation agriculture practice.

The study was conducted to assess the impact of conservation agriculture practice on crop profitability in Bangladesh and to identify the determinants of adopting such practice. A total of 300 farmers (50 focal, 100 proximal and 150 control) from five districts (Mymensingh, Bogra, Tangail, Sherpur and Jamalpur) were selected. Focal farmers were selected purposively; and proximal and control farmers were selected randomly. Descriptive statistics like sum, averages, percentages and ratios were calculated to evaluate the socioeconomic data. Profitability of crop production was measured in terms of gross return, gross margin, net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR). Crop productivity was measured using the Enyedi’s crop productivity index. The BCR of focal, proximal and control farmers was 2.58, 2.24 and 2.18, respectively. The crop productivity of focal, proximal and control farmers was increased by 0.5, 1.1 and 1.4 percent, respectively with respect to the entire region. Educational level of household head, farm size, farm income, extension contact and farming experience were found as significant factors through logit model that affect the adoption of this practice by the farmers. Input support, motivation, training programmes and extension services by different government and non-government organizations should be properly organized and implemented to raise the consciousness and enhance the knowledge of the farmers on conservation agriculture practice.

The study assessed pangas and tilapia value chain, and analyze the internal and external governance of the market actors at different levels. A total of 200 samples (100 for each of pangas and tilapia fish) were included in the study from some selected areas of Bangladesh. A combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical analysis was used to analyze the data. The study reveals that among all the actors, processors added the highest value which was followed by farmers. The internal and external governance issues followed by different actors could be ranked as average which reveals the improvement issue through intervention from respective authorities. Multinomial logit model explained that there were several factors having significant influence on internal and external governance of pangas and tilapia value chain. The study recommended that good governance should be ensured from the production point to consumer along all the actors of value chain. Government should take step about monitoring the feed quality and improvement of pangas and tilapia value chain governance. Moreover, respective authority should play the assigned role to train up the chain actors and provide extension services in order to explore the export potential of pangas and tilapia fish in Bangladesh.

The study was conducted to identify the factors influencing consumer preferences for pangas and tilapia fish in Bangladesh considering consumers’ fish consumption habit. A total of 150 respondents were interviewed following random sampling technique from three upazilas of Mymensingh district. Data were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques. Majority of the consumers purchased pangas and tilapia fish 1-5 times in a month. Consumers of medium income level bought the highest amount of pangas and tilapia fish in a month. The study revealed that consumers’ expenditure on pangas and tilapia would be increased by 6.7% with an increase in their income by 10%. The major reasons behind consumers’ preference for pangas and tilapia fish included their cheaper price than other fish, round the year availability and reasonable market price. Consumers’ preference for purchasing pangas fish was significantly influenced by freshness, color and family income; and by price, freshness and taste in case of purchasing tilapia fish. The study recommended that proper authority should monitor fish farms and check the fish quality as well as control fish sales price in the market to enhance consumer preferences.

Background: Aus rice began to lose its importance as farmers slowly started shifting to cultivation of irrigated Boro rice encouraged by its higher yields. The government of Bangladesh has launched an incentive programme for small and marginal farmers with an attempt to rejuvenate Aus rice cultivation. The aim this study is to assess the impact of government input support on Aus rice production in Bangladesh and its impact on food security and farmers’ poverty situation. A total of 120 (i.e., 60 supported and 60 non-supported) farmers from two upazilas of Mymensingh district were selected. Data were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques.

Results: The results show that rice cultivation occupied the major portion of farmers’ total cropped area. The government of Bangladesh had provided with input (both cash and kind) support in order to boost Aus rice (UFSHI and NERICA variety) production. Cropping intensity of supported farmers’ was increased by 39.7% whereas it was increased by only 1.4% for non-supported farmers. Productivity of Aus rice was 138.0% and 100.0% in stare of supported and non-supported farmers, respectively. Average per capita daily calorie intake of the households was still below the national average level of 2122 kcal. Poverty in terms of deprivation of health education, employment, housing, mobility and income was decreased; and overall livelihood circumstances was improved through government input support on Aus rice production.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the motivation provided with by the government through input support on Aus rice production was highly appreciated by the farmers. Though per capita daily calorie intake by the farmers was still under the national average level, supported farmers were more food secure than non-supported farmers. Several dimensions of poverty was decreased; and overall socioeconomic status was improved. The study recommended that scientific and technical training programmes should be arranged to raise farmers’ awareness about Aus rice production for enhancing their livelihood.

The study was conducted to document farmers’ livelihood aspects and agribusiness potentials in wetland areas of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers and 24 service providers were interviewed for data collection. Most of the farmers were small farmers having less than 1.0 ha of cultivable land. The differences in productivity of crop farming and poultry rearing between wetland area and main land were statistically significant. Favorable farm environment and proper utilization of agricultural resources were major strength and opportunity. The data may be helpful for formation of agribusiness clusters involving input suppliers, credit/financial organizations and different support service providers for more income, better nutrition and improved livelihood of the wetland people.

Bangladesh has experienced promising improvements in its overall economic, social and health conditions, but the progress is not up to the mark in Haor areas. Improvements in this sector can lead to increase in production, employment and poverty reduction. Aside from increased productivity, farmers need a supporting business environment where availability and access to agricultural inputs are ensured, fair returns to investment are secured. Keeping these issues in mind, the study was conducted to measure productivity, profitability, and price variation of inputs and outputs; and to identify business challenges and suggest policy options for overcoming constraints and exploring intervention strategies in Haor regions. Primary data were collected from Mohongonj upazila of Netrakona district and Mithamoin upazila of Kishoregonj district. A total of 120 farmers and 24 service providers were interviewed for data collection. Face-to-face interview, focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) were conducted to collect primary data. For analyzing the data, descriptive statistics and accounting method were used to achieve the objectives. The study revealed that average farm size of the respondents was 0.73 hectare. Most of the farmers (39.2%) followed the farming system of crop-livestock-fish catching (C-L-F). Fish catching was the most profitable enterprise with BCR 2.12. The differences in productivity of crop farming and poultry rearing between Haor areas and main land were found statistically significant. Remarkable differences in quantity and price of inputs and outputs were seen in Haor areas and main land. Favorable farm environment and proper utilization of agricultural resources were identified as major strength and opportunity in the study areas. Formation of agribusiness clusters involving input suppliers, credit/financial organizations and different support service providers will result in more income, better nutrition and improved livelihood of the Haor people. The study concludes that the business environment in the Haor areas has a high potential to be exposed with the integration of available local agricultural resources. Government price support and improved market management are recommended for accessibility and appropriate use of agricultural inputs, and for managing local productive resources in use of business prospects in the study areas.

The study was conducted to assess the prospects and challenges of hydroponic fodder production in Bangladesh. A total of 40 farmers were selected purposively from Kishoregonj and Jashore districts as sample for the study. A combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that average household and farm size of the farmers were 5.0 persons and 0.48 hectare, respectively. Average annual income of the farmers was Tk. 92312, of which 56.1% income was from farming activities and 43.9% income was from non-farming activities. Majority of the technology adopting farmers (35.8% farmers) were within the late majority group. Profitability analysis showed that net return and benefit cost ratio of hydroponic fodder production were Tk. 5400 per decimal and 1.82, respectively. Farm size, farming experience, training and extension contact had significant impact on farmers’ adoption of hydroponic fodder production technology. Nutritional quality of fodder, high installation cost, medicinal value for human consumption and sensitivity to temperature were the major strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of hydroponic fodder, respectively. This fodder production technology is sustainable from the perspectives of energy use, environmental safety, economic viability and social/political equity. The study recommended that input support (especially seed), motivation, training programmes and extension services by different government and non-government organizations should be properly organized and implemented in town and water logging areas to raise the farmers’ awareness for the adoption of hydroponic fodder production technology.