ECONOMIC STUDY ON COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED

WINTER VEGETABLES IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF

COMILLA DISTRICT

MOSAMMAD SHAHIN SULTANA

Examination Roll No 34
Registration No 20434(1993-94)
Semester: January-June. 2001

Submitted to the Department o f Agricultural Economics.

Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,
In Partial Fulfillment o f the Requirements fo r the Degree o f

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M. S.)

IN
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (PRODUCTION ECONOMICS)

May 2001
ECONOMIC STUDY ON COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED
WINTER VEGETABLES IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF
COMILLA DISTRICT

MOSAMMAD SHAHIN SULTANA

Examination Roll No. 34
Registration No. 20434 (1993-94)
Semester: January-June. 2001

Approved as to style and content by:

(Prof. Dr. M. Serajul Islam) (Prof. M. Mustafizur Rahman)

Supervisor Co-supervisor

(Prof. Dr. S. M. Munzur Murshed)

1 hairm an
Examination Committee
and
Head, Departm ent of Agricultural Economics
Bangladesh A gricultural l liversitv
\ h mcnsingh

May 2001
 ABSTRACT
The study was designed to assess the comparative profitability of selected winter
vegetables like potato, cauliflower and tomato. To achieve this objective, total of 75
farmers, 25 producing potato, 25 producing cauliflower and 25 producing tomato were
selected from two Upazilas under Comilla district. Data were collected during the period
of August-November, 2000 Mainly tabular analysis was done to achieve the major
objectives of the study Quantitative analysis was also done to identify and measure the
specific effects of the factors on vegetables production For this purpose, Cobb-Douglas
production function model was used.

The findings of the study revealed that all the vegetables were profitable Per
hectare total cost of production of potato, cauliflower and tomato were Tk 51396 79,
64406.06 and 61663.87 respectively and the corresponding gross income were Tk
99401 44, 119165.12 and 93442.24 respectively. The estimated net return of producing
potato, cauliflower and tomato were Tk 48004 65, 54759.06 and 31778 38 respectively
However for producing the three alternate winter vegetables, net return was the highest for
cauliflower followed by potato and tomato It was also found that there was a large
variation of yield in producing these winter vegetables among different categories of
farmers. In the case of producing potato and cauliflower, per hectare yield was the highest
for small farmers followed by medium and large farmers But in the case of tomato, per
hectare yield was the highest (48164.5 kg) for large farmers followed by medium
(47444 10 kg) and small farmers (46143 00 kg).

An analysis of the major factors affecting yield and economic return revealed that
variation in economic return was greatly influenced by the levels of inputs used such as
using of human labour, seedlings, inorganic manure, organic manure, irrigation etc The
input factors were individually and jointly responsible for variation in net returns

The study also identified some problems faced by the farmers in producing
selected winter vegetables. The problems were lack of capital, lack of good quality
seed/seedlings, high prices of fertiliser, lack of transport etc. If these problems could be
solved, per hectare yield of selected winter vegetables as well as profit would definitely
increase to a great extent
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All praises are due to “Almighty Allah“ who enabled me to

complete this thesis. I would like to acknowledge the untiring

inspiration, encouragement and invaluable guidance provided by

re sp e cte d teacher and supervisor Professor Dr. M. Sera ju l Islam,

Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural

University, Mymensingh. His scholastic guidance, valuable suggestions,

constructive criticism, helpful comments and continuous supervision

through out the period o f this research were instrumental fo r the

successfu l completion o f this study.

From the core o f heart I am indebted to my Co-supervisor

Professor. Md. M ustafizur Rahman, Department of Agricultural

Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for his

untiring guidance, constant help, scholastic cooperation, helpful advice

and suggestions in conducting the research and also in preparing this

thesis.

I like to re c o rd special gratefulness to Dr. 5. M. Munzur

Murshed, P rofessor and Head Department o f Agricultural Economics.

Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. fo r his sympathy

personal help, favourable attitude and for providing necessary facilities

to complete this work.

 M y h ea rtfelt thanks and gratitude are due to may resp ected and

honorable teachers Professor Or. Habibur Rahman, Professor Or.

Rezaul Karim Talukder, pro fesso r 5. N. I. Chowdhury; Professor Abdus

S a tta r Mandat, P rofessor Or. W. M. H. Jaim, P rofessor Atiar Rahman

Mol/a, P rofessor Tofazzal Hossain Miah, Or. Md. Akteruzzaman, Md.

Harun-Ar-Rashid and Md. Taj Uddm Assistant professor, department

of Agricultural Economic, Bangladesh Agricultural University,

Mymensingh.

M y cordial thanks and appreciation are due to the farm ers in the

study area who helped directly or indirectly during the period o f the

study.

I exp ress my supreme gratitude to my mother, brothers, brother

in lows, sisters, niece nephews and other relatives whose prayer, love,

sacrifice, encouragement and moral support inspired me to complete

this work.

I acknowledge my boundless gratitude to my friends and well

wisher fo r their cooperation during the study.

La st but not least, I extend my h eartfelt thanks to Mr. Nour

Mohammad and Md. Rofigul Islam Sumon who kindly agreed to compose

this thesis.

The A uthor
 C ontents

PAGE
ABSTRACT IV

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURES xi
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS xii
CHAPTER
1. INTRODUCTION I
1.1 Focus of the study 1
1.2 Importance o f vegetables production 3
1.3 Production of potato, cauliflower and tomato in 7
Bangladesh
1.4 Justification o f the study 13
1.5 Objectives of the study 15
REVIEW OF LITERATI RE 16
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY 23
3.1 Introduction 23
3 .2 Selection of the study area 23
3.3 Period of study 24
3.4 Selection of sample and sampling technique 25
3.5 Preparation of the survey schedule 25
3.6 Method of data collection 26
3.7 Analytical technique 26
3.8 Cost items 27
3.8.1 Human labour 27
3.8.2 Animal labour 28
3.8.3 Seed and seedlings 28
3.8.4 Manure and oil-cake 29
3.8.5 Fertilizers 29
3.8.6 Insecticides 29
 C ontents (Contd.)
CHAPTER
PACE

387 Irrigation 29
388 Interest on operating capital 30
3.8.9 Tools and equipment 30
3.8.10 Land use cost 31
SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 32
SAMPLE FARMERS
4.1 Introduction 32
4.2 Family size and composition 32
4.3 Literacy level 35
4.4 Occupational status 36
4.5 Farm size 37
4.6 Tenurial arrangement 38
4.7 Hectarage allocation of cultivable land for 40
vegetables production
4.8 Sources of income 41
4.9 Cropping patterns and cropping intensities 43
COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC RETURNS OF WINTER 46
VEGETABLES PRODl CTION
5.1 Introduction 46
5.2 Estimation of costs of potato, cauliflower and 46
tomato production
5.2.1 Cost o f human labour 46
5.2.2 Cost of animal labour / power tiller 47
5.2.3 Cost o f seed / seedlings 50
5.2.4 Cost of manure 50
5.2.5 Cost of fertilizer 50
5.2.6 Cost of insecticides 51
5.2.7 Cost of irrigation 51
5.2.8 Interest on operating capital 51

VIII
 C ontents ( ( o n td .)
CHAPTER
PAGE

5.2.9 Land use cost 51

5.2.10 Cost of tools and equipment 52
5.3 Costs of production of potato, cauliflower and tomato 52
5.4 Yield and economic return of potato, cauliflower 52
and tomato
6. CAUSES OF VARIATION IN YIELD AND ECONOMIC 56
RETl RN OF PRODUCING WINTER VEGET\BLES
6.1 Introduction 56
6.2 Factors affecting yield and economic return 56
63 Interpretation o f results 58
7. PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH 61
PRODUC TION AND MARKETING OF W INTER
VEGETABLES
7.1 Introduction 61
7.2 Economic and technical problems 62
7.3 Marketing problems 64
7.4 Social and natural problems 65
8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 68
8.1 Summary 68
8.2 Conclusion 73
8.3 Recommendations 74
8.4 Limitations of the study 75
9. REFERENCES 77

IX
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Focus of the Study

Bangladesh is a developing country with a population of nearly

130.02 million having per capita income of 386 US dollars (New

assessment, the ministry of finance, 2000). About 85 percent of the

population live in rural areas, over 50 per cent live below poverty line and

roughly 47 per cent live under conditions of absolute poverty (BBS, 1999)

It has a chronic problem of food supply deficiency to the tune of 5.61 per

cent. (Economic review, 2000). The country stands 147th out of 174

countries listed in the human development index by UNDP in 1998.

Agriculture is the dominant sector of the Bangladesh economy and growth

and stability of Bangladesh depend largely on the growth of agriculture In terms

of GDP, agriculture contributes about 30 per cent Exports of agricultural primary'

products accounted for about 12 per cent of total exports in 1996-97 Crop

agriculture represents a share of about 24 per cent in total GDP and about 73 per

cent in agricultural GDP Production of fruits and vegetables had been projected to

be 3.54 million mt and I 82 million mt respectively by the end of the plan period

(FFYP, 1997-2002). ^

1
 Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy o f Bangladesh It accounted

for about 37 per cent (FFYP, 1997-2002) o f GDP and nearly 63 per cent o f the

total employment in 1995-96 (FFYP 1997-2002) High population growth rate

and declining death rate together with slow growth in agricultural productivity

adversely affect the living standard in the country.

Bangladesh has about 13 80 million hectares o f total cropped area of which

2 91 million hectares are single cropped. 3 94 million hectares are double cropped

and 1.01 million hectares are triple cropped area. In total net sown area is about

7 85 million hectares having a cropping intensity o f 175 71 per cent (BBS, 1998).

Rice, wheat, pulses, vegetables, oil seeds, sugarcane and potato are the major

crops grown in Bangladesh

About 63 per cent of the total labour force is employed in Bangladesh

agriculture and about 80 per cent of the total population directly or indirectly

depend on agriculture. Agriculture creates self employment and wage

employment. Most of the people of Bangladesh suffer from severe

malnutrition.

Malnutrition reduces the working capacity and thereby income decreases

and poverty increases This relationship between productivity and malnutrition

cycle continuously gets worse overtime Poverty and malnutrition have appeared

as a very serious problem

2
 At present malnutrition is a serious problem for the country The large

majority o f the people in this country has serious malnutrition problem About

94% o f the children are malnourished and nearly 30,000 o f them gel blind per year

from vitamin A deficiency alone Intake o f other essential micro nutrients like

iodine, iron etc. are also low and these are having lasting adverse effects on the

malnourished children A loss o f 11 4 billion dollars is estimated to result from

protein, energy, malnutrition, deficiency 6 8 billion from lost agricultural

production due to iron deficiency, and 4 7 billion from iodine deficiency (Shaikh.

1997).

In addition to shortage o f food grains, vegetable supply in the country is

much below the 200 gm/capita/day level of requirement recommended by

AVRDC in 1996 The situation is further aggravated by the seasonal and annual

fluctuations in vegetable production Vegetables are a major and efficient source

o f micro nutrients considering both per unit area o f land and per unit cost of

production (Shaikh, 1997).

1.2 Importance of vegetables production

t
In Bangladesh there is a good number o f vegetables grown throughout the
year fin view of increase in income, population and nutritional considerations,

there is a great need for vegetables production''iFarmers used to grow vegetables in

and around the homestead area but now a days, a large number o f farmers grow

vegetables on commercial scale Farmers in many countries where adverse

weather condition prevails, grow vegetables under artificially controlled

3
 At present malnutrition is a serious problem for the country The large

majority o f the people in this country has serious malnutrition problem About

94% o f the children are malnourished and nearly 30,000 o f them get blind per year

from vitamin A deficiency alone. Intake o f other essential micro nutrients like

iodine, iron etc. are also low and these are having lasting adverse effects on the

malnourished children A loss o f 11 4 billion dollars is estimated to result from

protein, energy malnutrition, deficiency 6 8 billion from lost agricultural

production due to iron deficiency, and 4 7 billion from iodine deficiency (Shaikh.

1997).

In addition to shortage o f food grains, vegetable supply in the country is

much below the 200 gm/capita/day level o f requirement recommended by

AVRDC in 1996. The situation is further aggravated by the seasonal and annual

fluctuations in vegetable production Vegetables are a major and efficient source

o f micro nutrients considering both per unit area o f land and per unit cost o f

production. (Shaikh, 1997).

1.2 Importance of vegetables production

t
i In Bangladesh there is a good number o f vegetables grown throughout the
year fin view o f increase in income, population and nutritional considerations,

there is a great need for vegetables production^Farmers used to grow vegetables in

and around the homestead area but now a days, a large number o f farmers grow

vegetables on commercial scale Farmers in many countries where adverse

weather condition prevails, grow vegetables under artificially controlled

3
environment which is costly whereas the weather, climate and soil o f Bangladesh
are very much suitable for growing vegetables round the year

The problem o f malnutrition and ill-health result from lack o f adequate

intake o f protein, calories, and vitamins To make human diet complete and

balanced, intake o f vegetable is essential Vegetables are the sources o f vitamin A.

C, carbohydrate, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, iron and minerals They (ibid)

provide dietary fibre necessary for digestion and health and curing nutritional

disorders. Vegetables are considered to be protective food Hence ^vegetables

constitute an essential part o f balance diet>

Dieticians, in general recommended a daily allowance o f 285 gm

vegetables and 80 gm pulses for a balanced diet (Ramphall and Gill, 1990) O f the
285 gm, 85 gm should come from root vegetables and 115 gm from green leafy

vegetables and 85 gm from other vegetables The prescribed composition for daily

balanced diet is shown in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Prescribed daily balanced diet composition for Bangladesh.

Food items Daily intake fgm) for
2700 cal. 2332 cal. 2200 cal. 1900 cal
diet diet diet diet
Cereals 434 397 408 394
Pulses 112 74 |_58 l~28
Gur and sugar 29 T4 29 29
Meat 16 37 15
Milk 64 99 58 -

Fish and eggs 116 26 29 129""

Vegetibles 634 355 233 256
Fruits 56 31 29 29
Oils 6 17 15 10
Total 1371 1070 874 773
Note: 2700, 2332, 2200 and 1900 calorie diets have been

recommended by nutrition council, FAO. Institute of public health and

nutrition, social science and planning commission respectively.

4
 The nutritional status of the poor and low income people of Bangladesh has

deteriorated over time due to low intake of vegetables, fruits and milk (Table 1 1)

Vegetables are rich in protein and calcium sources (Table 1 2).

The quantity of vegetables is very negligible here Nutrition survey of

Bangladesh (INFS 1981-82) reported that average intake meets only 80 percent of

caloric, 58 percent of vitamin A, 50 percent of riboflavin, and 51 percent of

vitamin C requirements. The production of vegetables in Bangladesh is so low that

the per capita/day availability is hardly 32 gms whereas the requirement is

estimated at 250 gms (FAO, 1994). This gap is probably one of the mam reasons

for widespread malnutrition.

Table 1.2 Nutrient contents of various food and vegetables products (per 100
gm)
Food Water Carbohydrate Protein Fat Calone Vitamin (mg) Minerals (mg)
items percentage (gm) (gm) (gm) (cal) Carotin B, VilC Calcium Iron
(R'n)
Rice 12 60 77 40 8.50 00b 349 001 0 27 0 12 - 10 280
Wheat 12 80 71 20 II 80 1 so 346 I 06 0 45 0 13 • 41 490
Meat 74 30 - 22 60 260 114 . 0 15 006 2 10 0 80
Milk 87 50 440 3 20 4 10 67 001 0 05 0 19 2 120 0 20
Vi actable 88 50 4 30 290 0 40 36 6 80 006 0 15 54 145 900
Tul jrs 87 50 9 10 1 60 0 10 44 0 58 0 03 0 08 19 84 0 70
Fruits 88 00 8 40 2 20 040 46 I- 100 004 0 02 25 35 0 80
Roots and 80 70 16 20 ISO 0 20 89 134 0 10 004 11 24 0 70
vegetables

Source: Shartuddin and Siddique, 1985

5
 The per capita daily production o f vegetables in Bangladesh is considerably

lower than that o f other countries like Japan. USA, UK, Egypt, Thailand. Malaysia

and the Philippines Table 1 3 shows that the per capita per day production of

cereals and vegetables in Bangladesh takes place in the ratio o f 5:1 whereas this

ratio is 2:1 in the case o f other developing countries o f Asia and 1:2 in the case o f

developed countries

Table 1.3: Per capita daily average production of vegetables and cereals
(gm).
Country Cereals (gms) Vegetables (gms)
Japan 380 550
USA 200 456
UK 177 402
Egypt 551 330
Malayasia 392 210
Thailand 412 199
Philippines 342 174
Bangladesh 528 104
Source: Ahmed, 1982.

For several decades, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has

been trying to increase crop production simultaneously in the field as well as

in homestead garden especially through cultivation of winter vegetables.

Emphasis has, now a days, been given to cultivate the winter vegetables

Production o f vegetables, and the knowledge of nutrition did not get

adequate importance in the past. In order to popularise vegetable cultivation,

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) initiated a project named

Intensive Vegetable Production Project.

6
 It is believed that vegetables production can be increased in

Bangladesh, particularly in winter season. The winter season is more

suitable for vegetables production due to the availability of suitable land and

favourable climate. During the winter season, large areas of land remain

fallow owing to the lack o f rainfall. As the winter vegetables are relatively

shorter duration crops and demand lesser amount of water, farmers can take

advantage of a quick harvest and thereby can increase their farm income and

improve nutritional status. Besides local demand, there is a good scope of

export o f vegetables to Middle East and some European countries. Table 1.4

shows the trend of export of vegetables during the period from 1993-94 to

1997-98.

Table 1 4 Vegetables export from Bangladesh. 1993-94 to 1997-98

Year Million (Tk )

199394 2060
1994-95 1345
1995-96 1276
1996-97 1459
1997-98 1473
Source Foreign trade section, BBS, 1998

1.3 Production of potato, cauliflower and tomato in Bangladesh

The problems o f malnutrition and ill health can be reduced to a great extent

by taking leafy and yellow fleshy vegetables like, potato- cauliflower and tomato

which supply sufficient quantities o f carbohydrate, vitamins minerals and protein

in the human diet. The vegetables which are generally grown during October to

7
March in Bangladesh have been termed as winter vegetables The present study

has been conducted on three winter vegetables, namely potato, cauliflower and

tomato

P otato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one o f the main agricultural crops in

Bangladesh In many countries of the world it is considered as the staple food.. It

is an important vegetable and cash crop in tropical and sup-tropical countries In

Bangladesh potato occupies the first position among all the vegetables in respect

of hectarage and production.

Potato has high nutritive value. It supplies more carbohydrates in

combination with many other items of food. It is used in preparing potato

crackers, cheaps etc. it is generally eaten in a fried form and added to the

curry In addition to its use as food and vegetables, potato is extensively

used in making gum, starch for adhesives and other purposes, in textiles and

paper industries, ink, dyes, toys, soap and for leather processing. Glucose

and dextrose are prepared from potatoes for use in medical treatment

(Thomson and Kelly 1957). Area production and yields of potato in

Bangladesh for the period from 1993-94 to 1997-98 are shown in Table 1.6.

In 1993-94 the total area under potato cultivation was 131.30 thousand

hectares and total production was 1438.05 thousand tons. In 1997-98, the

8
 area and production of potato were 136.33 thousand hectares and 1553.18

thousand tons (BBS 1998). The average yield per hectare for the country

increased from 10.94 m. ton/ha to 11.39 m. ton/ha.

100 gm edible potato contains 19.10 gm carbohydrates, 89.00 kilo

calories, 3.00 gm protein, little fat, 5.20 gm minerals, 17.00 mg calcium,

little gron, 24 micro gm vitamin A, 1.20 mg niacine and 17.00 mg vitamin C

which is shown in Table 1.5.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the important vegetables among the winter

vegetables Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) probably originated in

the mediterra near region of Southern Europe and the crop has been developed

from Broccoloy The edible head of cauliflower is made up of flowers whose

stacks are short, fleshy and closely crowded The edible portion of cauliflower is

the storage organ and fleshy which is used for human consumption. In Bangladesh

it is eaten mainly as curry. In the USA it is grown in home gardens for both

immediate use, and for storage and in the mid west and north east for storage, jam.

Jelly manufacture. It contains high amount of vitamin ‘C’ 50 gm, protein 2.3 gm,

vitamin ‘B' I 4 mg, carotin 4 0 IU, calcium 30 mg, iron 0.8 mg per 100 gms edible

protein which is shown in Table 1.5.

Cauliflower is widely grown and most commonly known almost all over

the world Area, production and yield of cauliflower in Bangladesh for the period

9
from 1993-94 to 1997-98 are shown in Table 1 6 The production of cauliflower

rose from 22 26 thousand metric tons in 1993-94 to 78 90 thousand metric tons in

1997-98

Tom ato

Tomato (lycopersicon esculentum mill) is one of the most important

popular and nutritious vegetable of Bangladesh It is cultivated all over the country

due to its adaptability to wide range o f soil and climate (Ahmed 1976). Tomato

tops the list o f canned vegetables (Chowdury 1979)

Tomato can be eaten fresh or in cooked form and may be in processed form

also It is used for soup, salad, pickles, ketchup, puree, sauces, jam, jelly etc and

in so many other ways. Tomato preparation o f various types is in acceptance in all

advanced countries of the world.

In Bangladesh the area, production yield o f tomato during the period from

1993-94 to 1997-98 are summarized in Table 1.6

In 1993-94, the total area planted and the production o f tomato were 11 78

thousand hectares and 86.47 thousand tons respectively. In 1997-98, the area and

production of tomato were 13.07 thousand hectares and 93.94 thousand tons

respectively The production o f tomato rose from 86.47 thousand metric tons in

1993-94 to 93 94 thousand metric tons in 1997-98.

10
Table 1.5 Nutrient content per 100 gms edible portion of potato, cauliflower
and tomato.

Nutrients Potato Caulitlower Tomato

i Carbohydrate (gm) 19 10 8 00 3 50
! Caloric (k cals) 89 00 30.00 -

Protein (gm) 3.00 230 0.90

j_Fat (gm) ^0.10 -
------- 1

Minerals (mg) 5 20 -
* j
Calcium (mg) 1700 30 00 40 00
| Iron (mg) 0.80 0.80 0.30
Vitamin A i micro gm) 24.00 40 00 200-800
Fibre (gm) 0.40 -
‘ J

Thiamine (mg) 0 10 - 0.05

! Riboflavin (mg) 0.01 - 0 03
Niacine (mg) 1 20 1 60 060
Vitamin C (mg) 1700 50 00 10-100

Source: Institute o f Nutrition and Food Science D U 1980

II
T ab le 1.6 A rea, prod u ctio n and yield o f p otato, cauliflow er a n d tom ato in B angladesh from 1993-94 to 1997-98

1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98

C ro p s A n, Pradncii Vuld Praducti Yield Area Producti Yield Producti Y id d Product! o Yield
000' Area Area Area
on (000 (m on (000 (m 000 on (000 (m on (000 (m n (000 (m
000' ha 000' ha 000' ha
hi Im/ha lon/ha lon/hi lon/ha ha uaVha tcai/hi lon/ha lon/ha ubA b kaha

Potato 131 30 1438 05 10 95 131 64 1468 37 II 15 132 24 1491 56 11 28 134 03 1507 87 11 25 136 33 1553 18 II 39

C a u liflo w c r 9 29 22 26 7 78 9 37 72 79 7 77 9 68 73.73 7 62 1044 79 87 7.65 10 30 78 90 766

T o m a to 11 78 86 47 7.34 11 90 87 28 7 33 12 19 89 27 7 32 12 59 93 08 7 39 13 07 93 94 7 19

Source: BBS 1998

12
growing population and lor increasing employment opportunities and

income ol larmers. Potato, cauliflower and tomato are grown in winter

season may provide such opportunities.

Before giving emphasis on the production o f these vegetables, relevant and

adequate information on different aspects o f production of these vegetables at

farm level are required However, little systematic economic investigations on

these vegetables have been undertaken either by the government or private

organizations in order to satisfy the demand o f extension worker, policy makers,

research personnel and the farmers

The present study makes an attempt to analyse and compare the

relative profitability of potato, cauliflower and tomato production. The

individual farmers would be benefited from this study for effective operation

and management of their farms. The results of the analysis will be helpful to

the farmers as well as policy makers in providing a basis for taking

appropriate decision in respect of production of these vegetable crops. This

study may also help extension workers to learn the various problems of the

selected winter vegetable grower. Therefore, they will be equipped with

adequate knowledge for giving various suggestions to the farmers.

14
1.4 Justification of the study

Prosperity o f agriculture is generally measured by the level o f production

and the extent o f probability. Bangladesh is endowed with a favourable climate

and soil for the production o f different crops year round Although the agro­

climatic situations o f Bangladesh are suitable for the cultivation o f a large variety

of crops but about 80 per cent o f the gross cropped area are at present confined to

the production o f rice and wheat Since the mid sixties, all the government

programs have been aimed at achieving self sufficiency in food gram production

This illusive chasing towards self sufficiency in food grain production led to

adverse effect on the acreage and production o f winter vegetables As a result, the

people o f Bangladesh is suffering from severe malnutrition

Realising the above situations, the Fifth Five Year Plan has

categorically emphasized to introduce diversified cropping system in order

to free upland areas in winter season for non-rice crops so as to facilitate

introduction o f third crop on the land and under irrigated condition. Short

duration mustard can be introduced in between Boro and Aman season

(GOB, 1998).

The government of Bangladesh has given emphasis on vegetable

production in the year round to meet the nutritional and caloric need for the

13
1.5 Objectives of the study

The overall objectives of this study was to asses the profitability of

potato, cauliflower and tomato production However, the following specific

objectives were spelled out.

i) . To document the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers producing

potato, cauliflower and tomato in winter season.

ii) . To determine and compare the costs and returns of potato, cauliflower
and tomato.

iii) . To determine the factors responsible for variation of yield and

economic returns of winter vegetables

iv) . To identify the major problems associated with production and

marketing of selected winter vegetables.

v) . To suggest some policy guidelines/recommendations.

15
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The purpose of this chapter is to review the research works related to

the present study. The economic studies on winter crops, especially wmter

vegetables are limited in Bangladesh.

Sultana (1992) looked into the relative profitability of some selected

winter vegetables like potato, brinjal and radish in the two villages,

Sutiakhali and Bhabukhali under Mymensingh Sadar Thana. She found that

the per hectare total and cash expenses of potato production were Tk 27,863

and 10,670, respectively. On the other hand, returns above full costs and

cash costs were Tk 20,967 and 38,160, respectively. She also revealed that

the per hectare total cash expenses were Tk 32,18 and 15,022 for brinjal

production and Tk 18,819 and 6,132 for radish production respectively.

While the returns above full costs and cash costs were Tk 2,091 and 38,010

for brinjal and Tk 6.561 and 19,449 for radish She also found that factors

such as sowing/planting and harvesting dates were mostly responsible for

variations in the yields of these vegetables.

Hakim (1993) earned out a comparative economic analysis of cardinal

and multa variety of potato in Kotwali Thana of Bogra district He found

16
that the average per hectare total costs of production excluding land use

costs were Tk 32,097 and 30,819 for cardinal and multa varieties of potato,

respectively. The respective cash costs amounted to Tk 115,896 and 12,702.

The average net returns per hectare on full cost basis were Tk 28,995 and

26,994 for producing cardinal and multa varieties of potato, respectively and

their respective average net returns over cash costs were Tk 45,197 and

45,112.

Badiuzzaman (1993) carried out a research on identification and

evaluation of optimal cropping patterns for an irrigated area of Madhupur

thana in Tangail district. He found that among seven cropping patterns under

irrigated condition, the best cropping pattern was banana + ginger +

potato/tomato/garlic followed by the cropping pattern: teasel gourd +

ginger/country bean/chilli

Sarkhel (1995) conducted a study on the relative profitability of chilli

and it's competing crops, namely, mustard and potato in two villages,

namely, Sibram and Talukkalua, under Kanthulbari Union of Kurigram

district. He found that the per hectare costs and net returns of chilli

production were Tk 29.662 and 13.821 respectively, while per hectare costs

of mustard and potato were Tk 12.688 and 29.709 and their corresponding

17
net returns were Tk 2,078 and 7,328, respectively. He concluded that the

production ol chi. i was more profitable than mustard and potato production

Aslam <1995) conducted a study on a comparative economic analysis

of winter crop production in an area under Gauripur thana in the district of

Mymensingh. He studied economic aspects of winter crops such as potato,

brinjal. bottle gourd, beans, cucumber, sweet potato, mustard and ground

nut. He found that the per hectare gross expenses of HYV potato, I.V potato,

brinjal, cucumber, bottle gourd, bean, sweet potato, and ground nut were Tk

43,956, 34.892, 41.893, 45,219, 42,224, 27,362, 20,475 and 11,970 while

the per hectare gross returns and net return were Tk 77,000 and Tk 33,034,

53.648 and 18,756, 72,061 and 30,168. 80,261 and 12,524 respectively. He

also found that the variation in yield was greatly influenced by the use of

human labour, animal labour, application of cowdung, application of

fertilizers and date o f transplanting/sowing. The factors were directly or

jointly responsible for variation in winter crop yields.

Zaher (1995) conducted a study on the comparative profitability of

tomato and cauliflower in two selected villages under Sadar Thana of

Sirajgonj district. He found that the per hectare expenses of production on

full costs and cash costs basis of tomato were Tk 41,556 and 19.555.

respectively. While the per hectare gross return of tomato was Tk 79,750,

18
while the net returns per hectare on full cost and cash costs basis were Tk

38,194 and 60.195 respectively. The full costs and cash costs of production

o f cauliflower per hectare were Tk 36,052 and 17.848 and the net returns on

the basis of full costs and cash costs were Tk 23,948 and 42,152

respectively.

Hossain (1997) conducted a study on a comparative economic

analysis o f some selected high yielding varieties of winter vegetables such as

potato, cucumber, cauliflower and cabbage production in an area under

Baraigram thana in the district of Natore. He found that the per hectare gross

expenses of potato, cucumber, cauliflower and cabbage were Tk 41,365,

43767. 33,492 and 34,030 while the gross returns were Tk 74,725, 75,847.

62,313 an 59,626 respectively. He found thact cucumber growers received

the highest per hectare gross returns, net returns above full costs and cash

costs and cabbage growers obtained the lowest per hectare gross returns, net

returns above full costs and net returns above cash costs. He also found that

the variation in yield was greatly influenced by the use of human labour,

animal labour, application of fertilizer, date of transplanting sowing and date

of harvesting. These factors were directly or jointly responsible for variation

in yields HYVs of winter vegetables.

19
 Mowla (1998) conducted a research on some selected winter

vegetables in a selected area ot Norshingdi district. He included winter

vegetables namely cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, radish, bean and bottle

gourd. He conducted his study in three villages namely, Jalalabad. Baroycha

and Hossen Nagar of Narayanpur Union under Balabo thana of Norshingdi

district. He found that the per hectare gross expense of production of

cauliflower stood act Tk 50,875; while the per hectare gross return and the

per hectare net returns above gross expenses and above cash expenses were

Tk 68,580, 17,750 and 43,665 respectively. Gross expense for producing per

hectare o f cabbage was Tk 51,794 of which cash and non-cash expenses

shared 49 and 51 percent respectively, while gross return, net return above

gross expenses and net return above cash expenses stood at Tk 69,848.

18,052 and 44,509 per hectare, respectively. Gross expenses stood at Tk

69.846, 18,052 and 44,509 per hectare, respectively. Gross expense for

producing per hectare of tomato was estimated at Tk 45,365, while the per

hectare gross return, net return above gross expenses and net return above

cash expenses were estimated at Tk 61,870, 16,505 and 40,779 respectively.

The per hectare gross expenses of production of radish was Tk 3370, while

the per hectare gross return, net return above gross and net return above cash

expenses were Tk 46,200, 12,500 and 30,220 respectively. The per hectare

gross expense and gross return of bean production were estimated at Tk

20
38,772 and 47,513, while the per hectare net returns above gross and cash

expenses amounted to Tk 8741 and 35,475, respectively. Gross expenses for

producing bottle gourd per hectare stood at Tk 43,614, while the per hectare

gross return, net returns above gross expenses and return above cash

expenses were Tk 58480, 14,866 and 40,989 respectively.

Islam (2000) carried out a stud) on economic analysis of winter

vegetables like brinjal, cabbage, radish and tomato in the village Sutiakhali,

Sutiakhali Union in Sadar Thana of Mymensingh district. He showed that

per hectare o f brinjal production was Tk 66,653.95 of which cash and non­

cash expenses amounted to Tk 32,216 and 34,407 respectively, on the other

hand, net returns above cash expenses and net returns above gross expenses

were Tk 40,353.25 and 5,946.05 per hectare respectively. Gross expenses for

producing per hectare of cabbage was Tk 67,248.10 of which 47.23 and

52.77 percent were cash and non-cash expenses respectively. While net

returns above cash and gross expenses were Tk 80,240 and 44,751.90

respectively. The per hectare cash and non-cash expenses of radish

production stood at Tk 18280 and 18,672.22 respectively and total gross

expenses stood at Tk 36,952.22 while the net returns above cash and gross

expenses were amounted to Tk 22,720 and 4,047.78 per hectare,

respectively. The per hectare cash expenses and non-cash expenses of

21
tomato production were estimated at I k 28,034 and 29,061 representing 49

and 51 percent ol llie gross expenses (Tk 57,095). While the per hectare

returns above cash and gross expenses were Tk 45,481 and 15,719

respectively.

The above review and discussions indicate that there are large number

o f studies conducted on economic analysis of winter vegetables. But few

economic studies were conducted on commercially vegetable production in

die aiea under study. The present study aims to examine the profitability of

potato, cauliflower and tomato in some selected areas of Comilla district

Thus the results of the study are expected to provide useful information

which will help farmers in making decisions in winter vegetables

production.

22
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

3.1 Introduction

Farm management research involves collection of primary data from

the farmers. The type of primary data to be collected however, depends upon

the nature o f the study and its aims and objectives.

This chapter describes the methodology: selection of the study area,

period o f the studv, selection of sample and sampling technique, technique

o f data collection and analytical technique.

3.2 Selection of the study area

Selection o f the study area is an important step for farm management

study. Such a study usually requires selection ol an area for collecting data

in accordance with the objectives set for the study rhe area in which a lami

business survey is to be made depends on the particular purposes ol the

survey and possible cooperaction from the farmers. Keeping this in mind,

five villages namely, Khairabad, Kongshonagor, Porchimsing.

Singherikhola, Behermondal under Debidwar and Burichong Upzila in the

23
3.4 Selection of sample and sampling Technique

It is not possible to make a farm business survey covering all farms,

lo r this reason, sampling was done to select representative farms to

minimize time and cost of the study. Achieving the ultimate objectives of the

study, 75 farmers were selected randomly. The number of samples under

each o f winter vegetables is shown in Table 3 .1.

Table 3 .1 Sample size o f farmers according to farm size

No. of farmers C ategones of farmers

Vegetables produced
selected Small Medium Large
Potato 25 12 10 3
Cauliflower 25 10 10 5
Tomato 25 15 8 2

3.5 Preparation of the survey schedule

In order to fulfil the objectives of the study, an interview schedule was

carefully prepared to obtain the socioeconomic characteristics ol the sample

farmers and all necessary information regarding the production of selected

winter vegetables (potato, cauliflower and tomato). I he schedule was pre­

tested and then it was finalized after necessary correction, modification and

adjustments.

25
3.6 Method of data collection

Data were collected through interview method using survey schedule.

Before taking actual interview, the whole academic purpose of the study was

clearly explained to the sample farmers. Initially, the farmers hesitated to

answer the questions. When they were assured that the study was purely an

academic one and it would not affect them adversely, then they tried to

cooperate with the researcher. At the time of interview, the researcher asked

questions systematically and explained whenever it was felt necessary

Fanners were requested to provide correct information as far as possible.

After each interview was over, the interview schedule was checked so as to

ensure that information to each of the items had been properly recorded.

3.7 Analytical Technique

Data were analyzed with the purpose of achieving the objectives of

the study. In order to am ve at a meaningful conclusion, tabular technique

and statistical analysis were employed. I here are many techniques to

determine the relationship between different factors of farm management,

i.e., tabular technique, correlation or regression analysis, etc. I o explore the

relationship between production and input used, C obb-Douglas production

function was used because of the log linear (Cobb-Douglas) model proved

superior on theoretical and econometric grounds. I hus the C obb-Douglas

26
model was accepted Finally, double log functional form was chosen on the

basis o f better results obtained Irom it. rhe functional form of the estimated

regression will be discussed latter.

3.8 Cost Items

For analytical purposes, the cost items were classified into following

headings: human labour, animal labour, seeds/seedlings, manure and oil

cake, fertilizers, insecticides, irrigation, operating capital, tools and

equipment, and land use..

3.8.1 Human labour

For producing winter vegetables human labour was considered as the

most important input. There are two different categories of human labour. -

family labour and hired labour. Family labour includes the operator himesell

and other adult working members of the family while the hired labour

includes permanently hired labour and labour employed on daily and

monthly basis. The major proportion of human labour used for vegetables

cultivation came from family source. To determine the cost ol lamily labour,

the opportunity cost o f family labour was employed. I he opportunity cost ol

family labour was assumed to be the market wage rate, i.e., the wage rale

which the farmers actually paid to the hired labour. I he labour ol woman

27
and children were converted inlo man equivalent days by using a ratio of 2

children days = 1.5 women days = a man equivalent day. In this study a

man-day was considered to be 8 hours of work. The cost of human labour

was calculated on the basis of the average wage rate at Tk 50 per man-day.

3.8.2 Animal labour

In vegetables production, farmers used both farm supplied and hired

animals for such farm operations as ploughing, laddering etc. The measuring

unit for animal labour was “pair days”, locally called T lal’. It included a pair

o f bullocks or cows and one human labour attendant and worked for six

hours a day. Cost of ploughing was included in the human labour cost. In die

study area cost of a hired animal pair-day was Tk 50. In this study, home

supplied animal pair-day was priced according to the prevailing market rate

in the area which was Tk 50 per pair-day.

3.8.3 Seeds and seedlings

In this study, farmers used both home supplied and purchased

seed/seedlings. Cost of purchased seeds and seedlings was calculated on the

basis of actual price paid by the farmers Cost of home supplied

seeds/seedlings was valued at the market rate.

28
3.8.4 Manures and oil cake

Cowdung was used in almost all cases for producing winter

vegetables. Costs of both purchased and farm supplied cowdung and oil cake

were estimated at the prevailing local market prices.

3.8.5 Fertilizers

Farmers o f the study area used Urea, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP),

Muriate o f Potash (MP), Single Super Phosphate (SSP). and Gypsum

3.8.6 Insecticides

Most of the sample fanners used insecticides in producing selected

winter vegetables such as dimecrone, diagion. malathion and sunuthion rhe

cost o f insecticides were computed on the basis of the actual price paid by

the farmers.

3.8.7 Irrigation

The sample farmers used inigation water for producing selected

winter vegetables. For irrigation water, fixed cash payment system v\as

practiced in the study area.

29
3.8.8 Interest on operating capital

Interest on operating capital was computed by taking all cash costs

incurred on various operations in the process of cultivation of potato,

cauliflower and tomato. In this study, interest on operating capital was

charged at the rate of 8 percent per annum and was estimated for the period

during which the operating capital was used. The following formula was

used:

, . . Operating Capital X Rale of Interest X Period

Interest on operating capital ---------- -------- ^------------------------

The period considered for vegetables production covered the period

from land preparation to harvest, i.e., 3 months for potato, cauliflower and

tomato.

3.8.9 Tools and equipment

Various tools and equipment were used in different farming

operations in the study areas. They included country plough, ladder, yoke,

spade, kachi, nirani etc. Cost of tools and equipment, i.e., depreciation of

tools and equipment may be measured in different wavs; such as, annual

revaluation, straight line depreciation method, diminishing balance method

30
and sum ol year digit method. In this study the following straight line

depreciation form ula w as used.

„ . Vo-Vn
Depreciation =

Where.

Vo = Present value

Vn = Salvage value

L - Remaining life in months

t = Length o f production period in months

3.8.10 Land use cost

The value o f land was different for different vegetables plots

depending on the location, topography and fertility o f the plots. Cost ol land

use may be estim ated by one o f the following ways:

i) Interest on the value o f land,

ii ) Rental value o f land.

iii) . Foregoing incomes from alternative use

In the present study, cost for the use o f land was determined by the

rental value o f land.

31
 CHAPTER 4

SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE SAMPLE FARMERS

4.1 Introd uction

A study of socioeconomic background of the sample farms seemed

pertinent for the present study, because one can have a fair knowledge about

the resource base of the farmers under study. In this study, the

socioeconomic characteristics taken into account are composition of family

size, literacy level, occupation, farm size, tenurial status, cropping patterns

and cropping intensities.

4.2 Family Size and Composition

The size o f family in this study has been defined as a group of persons

living together and taking meals from the same kitchen under the

administration of the one head of the family. I he term family includes

husband, wife, sons, unmarried daughters, father, mother, brothers etc.

Table 4 I shows that the average size o f the selected farmers consisted of

6.02 members o f whom 3 13 were males and 2 69 were females The highest

number o f male and female members belonged to the age groups ol 25 to 57 years,

32
Table 4 1 Family size and composition of the selected winter vegetable growers

Above 7 to 15 Above 15 to 25 Above 25 to 57

Upto 7 years Above 57 years All
v d in y e a rs y e a rs
Growers 1 Oull
Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

Potato 0 36 0 60 0.84 0 72 0 84 0.92 0 84 0 88 0.12 0.28 3.00 3.40 6 40

growers (5 63) (9 38) (13 13) (11 25) (13 13) (14 38) (13 13) (13 75) (1 88) (4 38) (46 88) (53 13) (100)

Cauliflower 0.56 0 40 0.80 0 60 0 76 0.88 0 96 0.64 0.16 0.16 3.24 2 68 5.92

growers (9 46) (6 76) (13 51) (10 14) (12 84) (14 86) (16 22) (1081) (2 70) (2 70) (54 73) (45 27) (100)

Tomato 0.36 0 36 0 84 0.32 0 80 0.92 0.92 0 80 0.20 0 20 3.12 2 60 5.72

growers (6 29) (6 29) (14 68) (5 50) (13 99) (16 08) (1608) (13 99) (3 50) (3 50) (54 55) (45 45) (100)

043 0 45 0.83 0 55 0.80 0.91 0.91 0 77 0 16 021 3.13 2 89 6 02

All growers (2 66) (3 49) (51 99) (48 01) (100)
(7 14) (7 48) (13 79) (9 14) (13 29) (15 12) (15 12) (12 79)

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages o f the total family m em bers

Source: Field survey 2000.

33
Table 4 2 Distribution of family members of the selected winter vegetable growers according to literacy level

L ite ra c y level
G row er Illiterate U p to prim ary U p to aecondurv A bove secan t ary
M ale Fem ale Total M ale F e m a le Total M ale Fem ale Total M ale Fem ale Total

0.23 0.33 0 56 1.20 044 1 64 1.10 1 30 2 40 0.50 0.34 84

Potato grow ers (10 30) (30 15) (52 21) (20.22) (23 90) (44 12) (9 19) (15 44)
(4 23) (6 07) (22 06) (6 25)

C auliflow er 0.30 0 46 0 76 2.00 0.44 2 44 0.93 0 39 1 32 0 20 0.24 0 44

grow ers (6 09) (9.27) (15 36) (40 32) (8 87) (49 19) (18 75) (7 860 (26 61) (4 03) (4 84) (8 87)

0.02 0.06 0 08 1.00 0.84 1 84 1.10 0 74 1 84 0.64 0.60 1 24

T om ato growers (1 60) (20 00) (36 8) (22 00) (14 80) (36 8) (12 8) (12 00) (24 8)
(0 40) (1 20) (16 8)

0.18 0.17 0 35 1.20 0.87 2 07 0.67 066 1 33 1.00 0.39 1 39

All grow ers (6 81) (40 28) (13 04) (12 84) (25 88) (19 45) (7 59) (27 04)
(3 50) (3 31) (23 35) (16 93)

Note: Fam ily m em bers having seven years o f age or below were not included in the estim ate

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages o f the total num ber o f family m em bers

Source Field survey 2000.

34
 while only 2 66 percent male and 3 49 percent female belonged to the age

group ot above 57 years Potato growers had the largest family size consisting of

6 4 members, while tomato growers had the smallest family size o f 5 72 members

Thus the average family size o f the selected winter vegetables growers was 6 02.

higher than the national average o f 5 4 (BBS 1998)

4.3 Literacy Level

Education status of a farm operator influence production decisions as

well as operation and management of a tarm The adoption of appropriate

modem technology also depends on the education status of the farm

families. The educational qualifications of the selected farm families are

presented in Table 5.2.

Table 4.2 shows that 6 81 percent of the members of all selected

families were illiterate; while 40.28 and 25.88 percent ol the members had

primary and secondary level education. The findings ol the survey also

shows that only 27.04 percent of the members ol all the selected lamilies

had above secondar} education of which 19.45 and 7.59 percent were male

and female respectively. It was found that the percentage of illiterate farmers

in the case of cauliflower growers was higher than those of other vegetables

growers.

35
4.4 Occupational Status

Agriculture was the main occupation of the selected farmers in the

study areas, fhe selected winter vegetables growers and their family

members were also engaged in other types of occupation.

Occupational structure of the winter vegetable growers are presented

in Table 4.3. It is seen from the table that out of 75 farmers, 40 percent were

involved in agriculture, 44 percent involved in business and 16 percent were

involved in service as their mam occupation. On the other hand, 28 percent,

42.67 percent and 29.33 percent of the total winter vegetable growers were

related with agriculture, business and services respectively as their

subsidiary occupations. Table 4.3 also shows that most of the winter

vegetable growers were involved in business.

Table 4 3 Occupational status of sample winter vegetable growers

Main occupation Subsidiary occupation
Agri­ Busi­ Service Total Agn- Busi­ Service Total
Farmers culture ness no. of culture ness no. of
farmers farme
rs
Potato growers 9 10 7 25 3 15 7 25
(37 00) (40 00) J7 8 00I (12.001 (60.00) (28.00) (100.
(■00)
Cauliflower 12 - 25 8 10 7 25
13 (40.00* (28 00) (100)
mowers (52.00) (48.00) 1[00]_ (37 00)
5 25 10 7 8 25
Tomato growers 9
(36 00) (44 00) (20 00) (100) (40.00) (28.00) (32.00) (100)
30 33 12 75 21 32 22 75
All tanners
(40 00) (44 00) (16.00) (100) (28 001 (4267) (29.33) L ilM _

Source Field survey 2000

36
4.5 Farm Size

Farm size is measured by ihe entire land area operated by the operator. It

is computed by adding the area ol land owned and the rented in from others

and subtracting the area rented to others. It includes both homestead area and

the area used for woods, pasture and crops. In the present study, the size of

farm has been defined as the cultivated land (= own land + rented in +

mortgaged in - land rented out - land mortgaged out) during the year nf

investigation. On the basis of land holdings, the selected winter vegetable

growers were classified into three categories namely small, medium and

large farmers whose land holdings ranged from 0.01 to 1.00 ha; 1.01 to 3.00

ha and above 3.00 ha, respectively.

Table 4.4 shows that more than 49 percent of the selected winter

vegetable growers had small size farms while about 37 and 10 percent ol the

vegetable growers had medium and large size farms respectively. Table 4.5

reveals that the average size of small farms were 0.65, 0.81, and 0.85 ha. for

potato, cauliflower and tomato growers respectively. The corresponding

figures for medium farms were 1.62, 1.69, 1.69 and that ot for large farms

were 3.34, 3.14 and 3.18 ha, respectively.

37
I a b le 4 .4 D is tr ib u tio n o l th e v e g e ta b le g r o w e r s a c c o r d in g to th e ir fa rm siz e

Potato Cauliflower Tomato

Categories All
Farm size (ha) growers growers growers
of farmers Growers
(No.) (No.) (No.)
0.0 M .00 Small 12 10 15 37
(56 00) (40 00) (60 001 (49 73)
1.01-300 Medium 10 10 8 28
(40.00) (40.00) (32.00) (37.33)
Above 3.00 Large 3 5 2 10
(12.00) (20.00) (8.00) (13 33)___
All growers 25 25 25 75
(100) (100 ___ Q00J_______ (»00) i

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages of the number of farmers

Source: Field survey 2000

4.6 Tenurial Arrangement

Land tenure refers to the possession of rights to the use of land. People

hold varying kinds of right in the use of land and are said to belong to the

different tenurial classes (Bishop and Toussaint 1958). In the present study,

the following tenurial status was found

(a) Owner operator Farmers who cultivated their own land

(b) Owner-cuin-tenanl Fanners who cultivated part ol their owned land and

rented out the rest

(c) Tenant: Farmers who cultivated only rented in land

38
T a b le 4 .5 L a n d o w n e r s h ip p a tte r n o l th e w in te r v e g e ta b le g ro w e rs a c c o r d in g
to f a rm s iz e .

Categories Own land Rented in Mortgaged Mortgaged Total

Rented out
(ha) in land out land cultivated
of farmers land (ha) land(ha)
___ fhal___ (ha) land 1ha)
Potato growers
Small 0 63 0 05 0 03 0.04 0.02 0.65
Medium 1 50 0.11 0 13 0.12 0 06 1 62
Lh ie 3.40 0.05 006 0 10 0.07 3.34
All 1.34 0.07 0.08 0 08 0 04 1 36
Cauliflower growers
Small 0 73 0.11 0.05 004 0.04 081
Medium 1 60 0 12 0 08 006 0 05 1 69
1mm 3.24 0 03 0.04 0.10 0 07 3.14
IAI1 1 43 0.10 006 0.06 0 05 1 63
Tomato growers
Small 0.77 0.12 0.10 0 08 0.06 0.85
Medium 161 0 08 0.14 O il 0 05 1.69
Ljrie 3/15 0 08 0 09 0.10 0.04 3 18
All 1.23 on 1 o.ii 0.09 0 05 1.31

Source: Field survey 2000

Table 4.6 shows that 59, 29 and 12 percent of selected winter

vegetable growers were owner operators, owner-cum-tenant and tenant,

respectively. Table 4.6 also reveals that only 8 percent larmers were in

tenant in the case of tomato growers, while it was 16 percent in the case ol

potato growers.

39
T a b le 4 b T e n u n a l a r r a n g e m e n t o f s a m p le d w in te r v e g e ta b le g ro w e rs

Tenunal Status
Growers Owner Owner-cum- Total
operator Tenant
tenant
Potato 16 5 4 25
(64.00) (20 00) (16.00) (100)
Cauliflower 15 7 3 25
(60.00) (28.00) (12.00) (100)
Tomato 13 10 2 25
(52.00) (40.00) (8.0) (100)
All growers 44 22 9 75
(58.67) (29.33) (12.00) (100)

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages of the number of farmers

Source: Field survey 2000

4.7 Hectarage Allocation of Cultivable Land for Vegetable Production

In the case of potato growers, I able 4.7 shows that about 40, 31 and

28 percent o f total cultivable land were used by small, medium and large

farmers. In the case of cauliflower growers about 47. 25 and 28 percent land

were used for producing vegetables by small, medium and large farmers.

Forty three, 24, 33 percent land were used for producing vegetables b>

small, medium and large farmers in the case of tomato production.

40
Table 4 7 Heclarage allocation of land used for vegetables production

Farm size Total

Growers Small Medium Large cultivable
land (ha)
Potato 0.19 0.15 0.13 0.47
(40.43) (31.91) (27.661 MOO.OO)
Caulitlower 0.41 0.22 0.25 0.88
(46.59) (25.00) (28.40) (100.00)
Tomato 0.32 0.18 0.25 0.75
(42.67) (24.00) (23.33) (100.00)
0.92 0.55 0.63 2.1
All pow ers (42.80) (26.19) (30.00) (100 001
Source: Field survey, 2000
Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages of the number of farms

4.8 Sources of Income

Table 4.8 indicates that about 41 percent of winter vegetable growers

had household income of Tk 50,000 to 1,00000 while about 36 percent of

the growers had income above Tk 1,00000. The Table also reveals that about

52 percent o f tomato growers had household income above Tk 1.00000

while only 24 percent of potato growers received such level ol income.

Table 4 8 Distribution of sampled winter vegetable growers according to level of

household income
Level or income (Tk)
Types of 10000-25000 25000-50000 50000-100000 100000 and Total
Growers above
Potato 2 5 12 6 25
tano) (20 00) (48 00) (24 001 (»o°>____
5 II 8 25
Cauliflower 1
(16 00) (20 00) ___ (4f°0> (32 00) (■0°)____
2 8 13 25
Tomato 2 (100)
(1/00) « ooi (3? 00) (52 00)
12 31 27 75
All 5
(16 nO) (41 33) _ 136 00) (100)____
ibftH ____
Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages of the number of farms
Source: Field survey, 2000

41
Table 4 9 Average annual income of sampled winter vegetable growers according to source of income

A g ric u ltu re N o n -a g ricu ltu re T otal incom e

G row ers C rop L ivestock O thers Total B usiness Service O thers Total from all
(T k) (T k) (T k) (T k) (T k ) (T k) (T k) (T k) sources (T k)

19772.50 1 125 30 1102.20 22000 00 47695 15 22365 12 1343.97 76404 24 98404 24

Potato grow ers
(20 09) 0 14) (1 12) (22.36) (48.47) (27.81) (1.26) (77.64) (100)

C auliflow er 25995.75 1015 35 188 90 27200 00 42332.76 21393.19 154 05 63880 00 91080 00
grow ers (2.54) (1 11) (0.21) (29.86) (46 48) (2.34) (0.17) (70 14) (100)

T om ato 26025 16 1220.65 764 19 28010 00 55973.17 15897 36 539 47 72400 00 100410.00
grow ers (25.92) (1 22) (0 76) (27 90) (55.74) (15.83) (0.53) (72 10) (100)

23931 14 1120 43 685 10 25736 67 48667.03 21551 89 675 83 70894 75 96631 41

All grow ers
(24.77) (1 16) (0 71) (26 63) (50.36) (22.30) (0.70) (73.37) (100)

Source: Field survey, 2000

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages o f the total income from all sources.

42
 Table 4.9 shows that tomato growers had annual average income

above Tk 100000 while potato and cauliflower growers had average annual

income below Tk 100000. Among the major sources of household income,

about 27 percent ol the annual income of the selected winter vegetable

growers came from agriculture. The non-agricultural sources contributed

about 73 percent. The crop production, on an average, contributed about 25

percent to the annual income of the selected winter vegetable growers. Crop

production constituted about 28 percent o f the annual income of cauliflower

growers; while it shared about 26 percent for tomato growers. Income from

business contributed about 56 percent to the annual income of tomato

growers while its contribution was 47 percent for cauliflower growers.

Income from services contributed 28 percent to the annual income of

potato growers while its contribution was 2 percent to the annual income ol

cauliflower growers. The contribution of other sources to the annual income

of selected winter vegetables growers were negligible.

4.9 Cropping Patterns and Cropping Intensities

Cropping intensity represents the ratio between total cropped area and

the net so w ti area (arable land). It indicates the extent to which the same area

of land is used for crop production in a year. Cropping intensity is usually

expressed in percentage as follows:

43
 Gross Cropped A rea
Cropping intensity =
Net Sown Area ^ ^

Here, the gross cropped area means the aggregate area of land actually

cropped daring one year, while net sovvti area means the actual area of land

available for cultivation. The cropping patterns and cropping intensity in the

study area are presented in Table 4.10.

Table 4.10 reveals that Aman was the important crop in the locality.

The area under Aman constitutes about 23 percent of the total gross cropped

land. Vegetables area (both K h a r i f and R a b i) constituted about 25 percent of

the total gross cropped area In R a b i season wheat constituted about 13

percent o f the total gross cropped area. Selected winter vegetables (potato,

cauliflower and tomato) constituted about 15 percent of the total gross

cropped area. Table 5.9 also shows that the average cropping intensity was

198.59 percent. This cropping intensity was higher by 21.80 percent than the

national average cropping intensity of 176.79 percent (BBS 1998). fable 5.9

also reveals that cropping intensity of cauliflower growers was the highest

(198.77 percent) while cropping intensity of potato growers was the lowest

198.53 percent). 5 J /1 ? 3

44
Table 4.10 Cropping patterns and cropping intensities of sampled winter vegetable growers

K h a rif aaaion. h au la ra g e g row er! R abi aeaaon. hectare! ■ EIDW ffl G ro ss A rable Cropping
G ro w e rs A us A m an V ege­ V ege­ cro p p ed land in ten sity
Ju te O th ers T o tal B o ro W h eat O th ers T o tal
paddy paddy table! table! area (ha) m a) (%>

042 0 13 0 .7 6 0 7.5 0 15 1 71 0 35 0 12 0 22 0 30(11 099 2 70

P o tato 1 36 198 53
(1 5 56) (4 8 1) (2 8 IS ) (9 2 6 ) (5 56) (6 3 3 3) (1 2 9 6 ) (4 4 4 ) (8 15) ID (3 6 6 7 ) (1 0 0 )

0 38 0 11 0 68 0 22 006 1 45 0 65 0 15 066 0 33 1 79 3 24
C au liflo w er 1 63 198 77
(11 73) (3 4 0 ) (2 0 9 9 ) (6 7 9) (1 8 5) (44 75) (2 0 0 6 ) (2 0 0 6 ) (2 0 3 7) (1 0 19) (5 5 25) (1 0 0 )

046 0 13 0 SI 0 33 0 10 1 53 0 35 0 13 0 42 0 17 1 07 260
T o m ato 1 31 198 59
0 7 69) (5 0 0 ) (1 9 6 2 ) (1 2 6 9 ) (3 85) (5 8 8 5 ) (13 4 6) (5 0 0 ) (1 6 15) (6 54) (41 15) (1 0 0 )

0 42 0 12 0 65 0 27 0 10 1 56 0 45 0 40 0 43 0.27 1 28 2 85
All 1 43 198 59
(14 74) (4 2 1 ) (2 2 81) (9 4 7 ) (3 51) (5 4 74) (15 79) (13 3 3 ) (15 0 9 ) (9 4 7 ) (4 4 91) (1 0 0 )

Source. Field survey. 2000

Figures in the parentheses indicate the percentages o f the gross cropped area

45
 CHAPTER 5

COMPARATIY E ECONOMIC RETURNS OF WINTER

VEGETABLES PRODUCTION

5.1 Introduction

Hie aim of this chapter is to estimate and analyze the per hectare costs

and returns o f selected winter vegetables (potato, cauliflower and tomato)

production. An attempt was made to determine and compare the per hectare

costs and returns o f potato, cauliflower and tomato production.

5.2 Estimation of Costs of Potato, Cauliflower and Tomato Production

Estimation o f cost was exclusively necessary for enterprise costing and

subsequently determining the viability o f the enterprise from the point of view of

producers The farmers growing potato, cauliflower and tomato had to incur costs

for using different inputs. Some o f these inputs were purchased and some were

home supplied It is necessary to compute all the costs which were deducted from

the value o f output For the convenience of analysis, the usual cost items lor

producing potato, cauliflower tomato are discussed under the following heads.

5.2.1 Cost of human labour

Human labour was one o f the most important and largely used inputs in

producing winter vegetables It may be noted that in the case of potato human

labour used was 296 manways per hectare of which 95 manways were farm

46
family and 201 man-days ware hired labour (Table 5.1) Total cost or human

labour amounted to Tk 14800 per hectare (Table 5.2) Application o f human

labour implies that harvesting and carrying consumed the largest amount o f human

labour in producing potato which was 3 1.76 percent of the total labour cost In the

case o f cauliflower the total human labour requirement was 364 man-days per

hectare o f which 150 man-days were family supplied and 214 man-days were

hired and the total cost o f human labour amounted to Tk 18200. Application of

human labour implies that land preparation consumed the largest amount of

human labour In the case o f tomato, the total human labour requirement was 533

mad-days per hectare o f which 231 man-days were family supplied and 302 man-

days were hired Total cost o f human labour amounted to Tk 26650 per hectare

and operation wise distribution o f human labour implies that harvesting and

canying consumed the largest amount of human labour in producing tomato which

was 32.27 percent o f the total labour cost (Table 5.1,5.2)

5.2.2 Cost of Anim al labour/power tiller

In the study area farmers used both animal labour and power tiller lor

tillage operation Animal labour and power tiller were mainly used for land

preparation. The hiring rate of pair-day ol animal labour was Ik 50 00

The animal labour/power tiller cost o f potato, cauliflower and tomato were

Tk. 3590 84, 2470 and Tk 2970 per hectare respectively, for land preparation

(Table 5 .1).

47
Table S I Application of human labour for producing potato, cauliflower and tomato
O p e ra tio n Production o f pot ato Produc non o f caultl low er Production o f toinato
(M a n -d a y s /h a ( v la n - d a y s /h a (M a n -d a y i/b a
Family Hired Total Family Hired Total Family Hired Total
s u p p lie d supplied s u p p lie d

L and p rep a ra tio n 20 70 90 25 96 121 50 90 150

16 7 6 ) (2 3 6 5 ) (3 0 4 1 ) (6 8 7 ) (2 6 3 7 )___ ___ [33 2 4 ) ( * 28)____ (1 6 89) (2 6 27)

S o w in g 03 07 10 10 11 21 10 20 30

non (2 3 6 ) (3 38) (2 25) (3 0 2 ) (5 7 7 ) (1 88) ___ [3 15)____ V 63)

In ter cu ltu ral 27 57 84 70 82 152 60 no 170
operatio n
(9 12) (1 9 2 6 ) (2 8 38) (1 9 2 3) (2 2 53) (41 76) ( I I 26) (2 0 6 4 ) ■P.iJW L-
Irrigation 05 08 13 11 13 24 11 10 21

(1 6 0) (2 7 0 ) (4 39) (3 0 2 ) (2 57) (6 59) (2 06) (1 88) ___ [3 ° 4 )

H arv estin g and 35 59 94 25 12 37 100 72 172

carrying
(11 82) (1 9 9 3 ) (31 7 6) 16 8 7) (3 30) (1 0 16) (18 76) (13 51) (32 27)

O th er 05 05 09 09
- -
(1 6 9 ) (1 6 9) (2 4 7 ) (2 4 7 )____

T otal 95 201 296 ISO 214 364 231 302 533

_____( 3 2 W ) (6 7 9 0 ) (1 0 0 0 0 ) (««-21) (5 8 7 9) (1 0 0 00) (43 34) (5 6 66) (1 0 0 00)

Source: Field survey, 2000

Figures within parentheses indicate the percentages o f the total
Table 5 2 Per hectare variable cost o f potato, cauliflow er and tom ato production
nputs used Unit Potato C aul 1Hussar Tomato
Quantity Cost (Tk) Quantity Cost (Tk) Quantity Cost (Tk)
(parcanl) J percent)
-turnan labour Man-day 14800 00 18200 26650
?06 364 533
(32 39) (31 28) (47-73)
Animal latxmi/power tiller Tk./ba 3590 84 2470.00 2970.00
___ (Z_°l> (4 25) (5 32)
Seed seedling Kg/ha 10143.84 13842 87 4006 20
845.32 34607.24 40062
(22 34) (23 79) ____ (ZJ7>
F e rtiliz e r
Urea Kg 2639 28 1901 28 1658 40
439 88 316 88 276 40
(5 8 1 ) _____ o . m (2 971
TSP Kg 2617.60 4792.32 4619 68
355.2 368 64 355 36
(5 76) « UJ _____ « 27)____
MP Kg 2841 60 2535.04 2211.20
355.2 316 88 276 40
(626J_ (4.36) (3 96)
SSP Kg 747 80 950 64
149.56 31688
(1.65) (16 3 )
Gypsum Kg 250.72 242 46
62 68 80 82
_____(0,431_____ ____ (04 3 )____
M m ra
C ompost'C ow dung Kg 2551 8 3548 98 6446 07
2551 8 3548 98 6446.07
(5 62) (6 J 1 _ ( " 34)___
Ash Kg 600 00 1309 84 1523 76
300 654 92 761 88
(1 32) (2 25)_____ (2 73)____
Oil cake Kg 1029 16 659.52
127.52 82 44
(» 75) (« 18)____
Irrigation rk 3602 92 5550 00 2346.28
(7.931 (4 54) (4.20)
Insecticides rk 1270 44 181032 2505.72
(2 80) (3 11) (4.49)
Total variable cost rk 45406 12 58182 17 55839 49
l (100.00) (100.00) (100 00)
Source: Field survey. 2000
F ig u r e s w ith in p a re n th e s e s in d ic a te th e p e r c e n ta g e s o f th e to ta l
5.2.3 ( ost of seed / seedlings

In the study area farmers used purchased seed/seedlings The average price

of potato seeds was estimated at Tk 8 per kg The average price o f cauliflower

seedlings was estimated at Tk. 0.40 per number and the average price of tomato

seedlings was estimated at Tk 0 10 per number Table 5.2 indicates that the total

costs of seed/seedlings o f potato, cauliflower and tomato were Tk 10143 84 Tk

13842 87 and Tk 4006 20 per hectare which comprises 22 34 percent per hectare

covering 22 34 percent 23 79 percent and 8 11 percent o f variable costs

5.2.4 Cost of Vlanure

In the present study it was found that most o f the farmers used cowdung,

ash and oil-cake as manure in producing winter vegetables (potato, cauliflower,

tomato). The costs o f cowdung. ash and oil cake were Tk 2 00/kg, Ik 2 00/kg

and Tk 800/kg respectively From Table 5 2 it is observed that per hectare costs ol

cowdung, ash and oil cake were Tk. 2551 8 and 1k 600, for producing potato. Tk

3548.98 Tk 1309 84 and Tk 1020 16 for producing cauliflower and Tk 6446.07,

Tk 1523.76 and Tk 659.52 for producing tomato

5.2.5 Cost of Fertilizer

In the study area farmers used urea. TSP. MP. gypsum and SSP All the

fertilizers were purchased Cost o f fertilizers were estimated according as the cash

price paid Market prices o f urea. T S P. M P. gypsum and SSP were Tk 6, 13, 8.

3 and 4 per kg respectively.

50
5.2.6 Cost of insecticides

In the study area fanners applied insecticides to protect their crops from the

attack o f pests and diseases. I he cost o f insecticides was calculated on the basis of

actual money paid

5.2.7 Cost of irrigation

Irrigation water is an important input in winter vegetables cultivation For

irrigation, farmers mainly used shallow tubewell. Most of the farmers used

shallow tube well on hired basis and a few o f them used shallow tube wells owned

by them Irrigation cost was calculated according to hiring rate in the study area

5.2.8 Interest on operating capital

Interest on operating capital was charged at the rate of 8 percent for 3

months in consulting the local bank manager Interest on operating capital was

charged on cash cost only. It was assumed that if the farmer had put the money in

a bank he would have received interest at the same rate llie procedure for

calculating interest on operating capital was stated earlier in chapter 3.

5.2.9 Land use cost

Land use cost was calculated by using per hectare cash rental value of land

Land use cost per hectare varied from Tk 4000 to 6000 for the cropping period

covering three months.

51
5.2.10 ( osl of tools and equipment

All the farmers used traditional tools and equipment such as country

plough, yoke, ladder, spade, khuipi. sickle, etc Tools and equipment cost was less

than one percent o f the total cost

5.3 Costs of production of potato, cauliflower and tomato*

Considering the cash costs per kg/piece o f potato, cauliflower and tomato

were calculated at Tk 4 00, 4 00 and 2 00 respectively

5.4 V ield and economic return of potato, cauliflower and tomato

Per hectare average yields o f potato were 30333 9. 25330.9 and 21537 kg

for small, medium and large farmers respectively. I able 5 4 indicates that the

average gross income o f small farmers was the highest Per hectare average yields

of cauliflower were 40822 22, 30771 6 and 28843.8 piece for small, medium and

large farmers respectively. Table 5 4 indicates that the yield ol small farmers was

higher than that o f others Per hectare average yields o f tomato were 46143 0,

47444 I and 48164 5 kg for small, medium and large farmers respectively. I able

5 4 shows that the yield o f large farmers was the highest Average return ol large

farmer was higher than that of others

* Potato and tomato were calculated in terms o f a kg and cauliflower in terms of a

piece

52
Table S.3 Per hectare cost and return of potato, cauliflower and tomato production

items ! Unit T otal value o f T otal value o f T otal value o f

potato (T k ) cauliflow er ( T k .) tom ato ( T k )

A . Total V ariable C ost (T V C ) Tk. 45406.12 58182.17 55839 49

(88 72) (90 33) (90.550

Fixed cost
a) Interest on operating capital Tk. 800.17 1003.46 824.38
(1 56) _ (1 56) (1 49)
b l Rental value o f land 5000.00 5000.00 5000.00
(9-731 (7.76) (9 06)
c) T ools and equipm ent Tk 190.50 220 25 -
(0 37) (0 34)
j B Total Fixed Cost Tk. 5990.67 6223.89 5824.38
(11 28) (9 67) <9_45)______
C . Total Cost (A + B ) Tk. 51396.79 64406 06 61663 87
(100.00) (100.00) (100 00)
D. G ro ss Incom e Tk. 99401.44 119163.12 93442 24

E. G ross m argin ( D - A ) Tk. 53995.32 60982 95 37602.75

F. N et Return (D-C) Tk. 48004.65 54759.06 31778.37

Source: Field survey 2000

Figures within parentheses indicated the percentages o f the total.
Table 5.4 Per hectare yield and economic return of potato, cauliflower and tomato according to farm size

C ilE in r ia * o f farm U nit Potato C auliflow er T om ato

Sm all farm Yield (k g ) 30333 90 40822.22 46143.00

G ross incom e 121335 60 163288 88 92286.00

M edium farm Y ield (k g ) 25330.90 30771.60 47444 10

G ross incom e 101323.60 123086 40 9488.20
Large farm Y ield (k g ) 21537.00 28843.80 48164 50
G ross incom e 86148 00 115375 20 96329 00
A verage farm size Yield (kg) 24850 36 29791.28 46721 12
| G ross incom e 99401 44 119165 12 91442.24

Source: Field survey, 2000

Table 5.5 Com parative econom ic return o f w inter vegetables production

Particulars Potato C auliflow er Tom ato

Gross incom e (GI) 99401 44 119165 12 93442.24

Total variable cost (T V C ) 45995.32 58182.17 55839 49

Gross M argin (GM ) 53995.32 60982.95 37602.75

Total cost TC 51396.79 64406 06 61663.87

n
Net return (GI-TC) 48004.65 54759 06 317'78 37
Source Field survey, 2000

54
 Potato
CD Cauliflower
CD Tomato

140000 -»

O'

Fig. Bar Diagram Showing Gross Income, Variable Cost, Gross Margin, Total Cost and Net
Return o f Potato, Cauliflow er and Tom ato Per Hectare.

55
 CHAPTER 6

CAl SES OF VARIA! ION IN ^ IEU) AND ECONOMIC RETl'RN

OF PRODUC ING COMME RCIAIJLY WINTER VEGETABLES

6.1 Introduction

The focus o f the present chapter is tn make a quantitative analvsis nf

different categories in the frame work o f production function analysis Seven

variables were taken for producing winter vegetables Cobb-Douglas production

function model was used to determine the effects of the inputs used (independent

variables) on yield and economic returns (dependent variables) of producing

winter vegetables

6.2 Factors contributing yield and economic return

In the study area, for producing winter vegetables (potato, cauliflower and

tomato), the following inputs namely human labour, organic manure

seed/seedlings, inorganic manure, irrigation, insecticides and tillage wen.

employed which were considered as a priori explanatory variables and these

explanatory variables were responsible for variation in winter vegetables

production. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to understand the possible

relationship between the production of winter vegetables and inputs used

56
 in order .o de.enn.ne .he elTec. of vanable ,npu« Cobb-Douglas produce,

funchon was initially es..raa.ed The func.ional form of .he multiple regress,on ,s

as follows:

Y=aX,*' X2*> X ,* X*> X * X7b’ui

Or, log Y = log a + b, log X, + b, log Xj + bj log X, + b, log X4 + b, logX,

+ b6 log X* + b7 log X7+ui

Where,
Y = Gross return (Tk/ha)
a = Constant or intercept value
X, = Human Labour (Tk/ha)
X2 = Seedlings (Tk/ha)
X3 Inorganic manure (Tk/ha)
X4 = Organic manure (Tk/ha)
X5 - Irrigation (Tk/ha)
X* =r Insecticides (Tk /ha)
X7 = Tillage (Tk/ha)
b|, t>2,— b7 = Coefficient of respective variables
ui Error term
Management factor was not included in the estimated model though it has

importance as an input because specification and measurement of management

factor is difficult to accomplish particularly in peasant agriculture where a farm

operator is both a labour and a manager and the farm as well as the household

constitute an inseparable complex Other indepenuent variables which might affect

yield and economic return substantially eg land quality soil rnndinon time m

sowing, period of harvesting etc. could not be considered

57
 6.3 Interpretation of Results

Estimated values of the coefficient and related statistics of the Cobb-

Douglas production are shown in Table 7.1. The results indicate that the Cobb-
Douglas production function fitted well considering R2 and F value The
coefficients of multiple determination R2 were 0.787, 0.841 and 0 772 for potato,
cauliflower and tomato respectively which indicate that about 79, 84 and 77 per
cent of variation in returns are explained by the independent variables used in the
model.
The F value of the equation is also satisfactory as it was significant at I
percent level implying that the variation of potato, cauliflower and tomato
production significantly depended on the factors of the model F value of potato,
cauliflower and tomato were significant at 1 percent level indicating that the
model specified gave a reasonably good fit.
Table 6.1 Estimated value of coefficient and related statistics of Cobb-Douglas
production function model of potato, cauliflower and tomato production

Coefficients
I Explanatory variables
1 Potato Cauliflower Tomato
1 Intercept 0.645 -3.020 1 086

j Human labour (X|) 0.769* 0.596** 0.299**

(0.169) (0.240) (0 139)
Seedlings (X2) 0.114** 0.445* () 693*
(0.051) (0.119) (0.214)
Inorganic manure (X3) 0.080 0417 -0.360
(0.129) (0 173) (0 185)
0.081 0.114 0 031
Organic manure (X*)
(0.077) (0.106) (0.142)
Irrigation (X5) 0.067 0.266** 0331**
(0.301) (0.1061 (0 126)

-0.141** -0.080 0.155**

[Insecticides (X*)
(0.055) _ J 0 1281 (0 057)
0 .2 2 2 ** 0.186** 0 250**
Tillage (X7)
(0.083) (0 079) (0094)
0.787 0.841 0.772
RJ
8 983* 12 983* 8213*
F
1 192 1944 1 399
Return to srale
* Significant at I percent level.
** Significant at 5 percent level.
Figures in the parentheses indicate standard error

58
 6.3 Interpretation of Results

Estimated values ol the coelucient and related statistics of the Cobb-

Douglas production are shown in Table 7.1. The results indicate that the Cobb-
Douglas production function fitted well considering R2 and F value The
coefficients of multiple determination R2 were 0.787, 0 841 and 0.772 for potato,
cauliflower and tomato respectively which indicate that about 79, 84 and 77 per
cent of variation in returns are explained by the independent variables used in the
model.

The F value of the equation is also satisfactory as it was significant at I

percent level implying that the variation of potato, cauliflower and tomato
production significantly depended on the factors of the model F value of potato,
cauliflower and tomato were significant at 1 percent level indicating that the
model specified gave a reasonably good fit.
Table 6.1 Estimated value of coefficient and related statistics of Cobb-Douglas
production function model of potato, cauliflower and tomato production

Coefficients
Explanatory variables
Potato Cauliflower Tomato
| Intercept 0.645 -3.020 1 086

Human labour (X|) 0.769* 0.596** 0.299**

(0.169) (0240) (0.139)
Seedlings (X2) 0.114** 0.445* 0 693*
(0.051) (0.119) (0.214)
Inorganic manure 1X3) 0.080 0417 -0.360
(0.129) (0 173) (0 185)
Organic manure (X4 ) 0.081 0.114 0.031
(0.077) (0.106) (0.142)
Irrigation (X5) 0 067 0.266** 0.331**
(0.301) (0.106) (0 126)

insecticides (X$) -0 141** -0 080 0.155**

(0.055) ( 0 128) (0 057)
0 .2 2 2 ** 0.186** 0.250**
Tillage (X7)
(0.0831 (0.079) (0.094)
0.787 0.841 0.772
Rr
8.983* 12.983* 8 213*
F
1.192 1.944 1 399
Keturn to scale
* Significant at 1 percent level.
** Significant at 5 percent level.
Figures in the parentheses indicate standard error

58
 It IS evident from Table 6 I that there are 7 variables of winter vegetables

production which were taken for interpretation of the result The level of

significance used were 1 percent and 5 percent

Effects on Potato Production:

For potato production, human labour cost was significant at 1 percent level

and seed, insecticides, tillage cost were significant at 5 percent level and inorganic-

manure, organic manure, irrigation cost were insignificant Results indicate that I

percent increase the cost of using human labour, seed, power would increase the

gross return of potato production by 0.769, 0.114. 0 222 percent respectively but

insecticides cost would decrease the gross return by 0 141 percent, assuming the

other inputs were held constant

Effects on Cauliflow er Production:

For cauliflower production, seedlings cost was significant at I percent level

and human labour, irrigation and tillage cost were significant at 5 percent level and

inorganic manure cost, organic manure cost and insecticides cost were

insignificant Results indicate that 1 percent increase the cost of seedling, human

labour, irrigation and tillage would increase the gross return ol cauliflower

production by 0 44S. 0 5% <1 2oA and n IS* percent respectively but insecticides

cost would decrease the gross return by 0.080 perecnl assuming that other inputs

were held constant

59
Effects on Tomato Production:

For tomato production, seedlings cost was significant at 1 percent level and

human labour cost, irrigation cost, insecticides cost and tillage cost were

significant at 5 percent level and inorganic cost Results indicate that 1 percent

increase in seedlings cost, human labour cost, irrigation cost and tillage cost would

increase the gross return by inorganic manure cost would decrease the gross return

by 0.360 percent assuming that other inputs were held constant

Return to scale:

The summation of all the production coefficients of the equations for potato

cauliflower and tomato were 1.192, l 944 and 1 399 respectively which indicates

that production function exhibited increasing returns to scale. That is, if all the

inputs specified in the function were increased by 1 percent, output would have

increased by 1.192, t 944 and l 399 percent respectively for potato, cauliflower

and tomato.

60
 CHAPTER 7

PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH

PRODl ( TION AND MARKETING OK WINTER VEGETABLES

7.1 Introduction

Experience has shown that fanners in Bangladesh seldom get the

required quantity o f seeds, quality seeds, fertilizer pesticides, technical

support and finally the optimum price of their production. They are

economically not very capable of investing the required amount for

producing crops due to low capital base. Farmers generally complain of

getting insufficient support from governmental agencies It is also

complained that farmers do not get required technical and financial support

from the government In this chapter an attempt has been made to identify

major problems and constraints faced by potato, cauli(lower and tomato

growers. For the sake o f analytical convenience, the problem and constraints

were classified into three general groups.

i) . Economic and I echnical problems

ii) . Marketing problems

iii) . Social and natural problems

61
7.2 Kconomic and Technical problems

It was observed that farmers faced some economic and technical

problems and constraints relating to the production of winter vegetables. The

major economic and technical problems faced by the farmers in winter

vegetables production are discussed

7.2.1 La ck of capital or institutional credit

It can be noted here that all categories of farmers faced severe shortage of

cash money during cultivation period In addition to special agronomic care the

production of selected winter vegetables needs proper doses of fertilizers,

irrigation water and insecticides and therefore selected winter vegetable growers

should have sufficient money to buy the necessary inputs In the study area, about

72 per cent of total selected winter vegetable growers reported that they did not

have adequate amount of operating capital (Table 7 I) Most growers did not get

institutional credit and therefore, they had to borrow money from relatives,

neighbors and money lenders at exorbitant rates ol interest

7.2.2 La ck of scientific knowledge and technology

Low productivity of tomato, cauliflower and potato is a serious problem In

the study areas most farmers are illiterate About 71 per cent ol the selected winter

vegetable growers reported that the productivity of vegetables was low due to lack

of scientific knowledge about cultural practices.

62
7.2.J Non-availability of quality utds and high prior of wod/soodlings

Availability o f improved seeds was another limiting factor in producing

potato, cauliflower and tomato About 60 per cent farmers repotted this problem

They reported that in local market HYV seeds were not available Most of the

growers purchased seeds but they opined that in many cases, the seeds were not

good quality and the prices of seed were too high during the sowing/planting

period

7.2.4 Insufficient irrigation

Water was an important input for producing selected winter vegetables In

the study area about 60 per cent vegetable growers had faced this problem The

selected winter vegetable growers opined that lack of irrigation facilities was a

major constraint to winter vegetables production

7.2.5 L a ck of human labour availability

Selected winter vegetables were labour intensive Non-availability of

human labour was one of the major problems faced by the vegetable growers li

was observed from Table 7.1 that about 83 per cent ol the selected winter

vegetable growers faced acute shortage of human labour in vegetables productic

7.2.6 High price of fertilizers and insecticide*

Fertilizer and insecticides are vital inputs in the production of selected

winter vegetables It was reported that most of the selected vegetables were

63
attacked by pest and diseases About 88 per cent of the selected winter vegetable

growers reported that the availability of fertilizers and insecticides was limited in

the local markets. Normally the prices of the material inputs were acute but this

situation was aggravated in cultivation period when the prices of fertilizers,

insecticides and pesticides went up over night due to unfair profit making motive

of both retailers and wholesale dealers who created artificial crisis

7.3 Marketing problems

According to the respondents opinion, one serious problem of winter

vegetables was the marketing problems In the study areas, most of the farmers

used to sell their product to the ‘paikar' at home A few farmers sold the products

at the village hat’

There were some problems relating to the marketing ol winter vegetables

which are highlighted below

7.3.1 M arket price of product at harvesting period

It was observed that the prices of selected winter vegetables in the

harvesting period were very low About 73 per cent ot the selected winter

vegetable growers reported that the price of winter vegetables were low during the

harvest and soon after the harvest period Many of the farmers were compelled to

make distress sale in order to meet the urgent needs of cash for their day to dav

household expenditures that led to increase the supply of their products in the

village market at harvesting period and thereby lowering the selling price per unit

64
THus, the production of the selected winter vegetables became a less profitable

venture

7.3.2 Storage problem

Lack of proper storage facilities was the most important problem regarding

selected winter vegetables marketing Seventy six per cent of vegetable growers

complained about the storage problem (Table) Storage of cauliflower and tomato

is not possible under ordinarv condition because these vegetables are perishable

Therefore, due to lack of proper storage facilities the farmers did not get fair prices

of their selected winter vegetables

7.3.3 U c k of adequate transportation facilities

Due to transportation problem, the growers used to sell their product to

“Paiker” at the local markets and a few growers sold their products at home in the

study area Table 7 1 shows that about 45 per cent of the selected winter vegetable

growers treated lack of transportation facilities as a problem Farmers also

reported that they could not take advantage ot the higher prices prevailing at

distant market due to lack of transportation facilities Adequate transport facilities

at reasonable cost would improve the efficiency ol vegetable marketing

7.4 Social and Natural problems

It was found that farmers were facing some social and natural problems m

producing winter vegetables These are discussed below

65
7.4.1 Attack by disease and pest

Farmers producing selected winter vegetables mentioned that considerable

amount of yield of vegetables were lost by the attack of pests and diseases In the

study area about 60 per cent vegetable growers faced this problem Farmers also

noticed Aphis (Linaphis psculobrassicac. Davis) locally called “ Menda puka”

which damaged the cauliflower curds by sucking sap from leaf, shoot and pods

7.4.2 C ro p damaged by domestic animal

Farmers gathered an experience that in the early stage the plants were

affected by the cattle and goats About 25 per cent growers reported that their plots

were affected by domestic animal

7.4.3 Affected by wild animal

Crop damaged by wild animal was one ol the major problem lor vegetable

production. About 12 per cent of selected winter vegetable growers reported that

their products were attacked by wild animals

7.4.4 l>oss of production due to theft

During the harvesting period, stealing of potato, cauliflower and tomato

was a common phenomenon which discouraged the growers to gri w these

vegetables In the study area about 5 per cent of selected winter vegetable growers

reported that their products were stolen

66
Table 7.1 Major problems and constraints
in producing and marketing of selected winter
vegetables

Nature of problems bantu* 15 fawned and tllTs distribution

Potato ( auliflower A II

A Economic and Technical Problems

i) Lack ot capital or institutional credit 50 19 15 54
(80 00) <60.00) (72 00)
(76 00)
ii) Lack of scientitic knowledge and 13 18 22 53
technology (52.00) >80 00)
(72.00) (70.67)
iii) Non-availability of quality seeds and high 12 16 17 45
price of seeds/seedlings (48 00) (68 00) (60 00)
(64.00)
iv) Insufficient irrigation 18 17 10 45
(72.00) (40 00) (60 00)
(68.00)
v) Lack of human labour availability 23 24 19 66
(92 00) (7600) (88 00)
*96.00)
vi) High price of fertilizer and insecticide 18 19 16 53
(72.00) (64 00) (70.67)
(76 00)
B llu k a im i Problems
i) Low market price of product at harvesting 17 16 22 55
period (68 00) (88 00) (7067)
(64.00)
ii) Storage problem 10 24 23 57
(40.00) (92.00) (76 00)
(96 00)

iii) I^ack of adequate transportation facilities 09 12 13 34

(36 00) (52.00) (45 33)
(48.00)

C. Social and natural pm ilems

20 19 23 62
i) Attack by disease
(80.00> (92 00) (88 00)
(76.00)
05 06 08 19
Ii) Attack by domestic animal
(20.00) (37 00) (25 33)
(24.00)
03 02 0.4 09
Iii) Attack by wild animal (16.00) (1200)
(12.00) (4 00)

01 02 01 (J4
iv) Loss of product due to theft (4 00) (5.33)
(4.00) (8 00)
---------------------------------------------------------- --
Figuresjurem heses ,ridicule Ihe pocaituge of loud number ol respecn.e »,n,«r >«gel.bl«»

Source: field survey, 2000

67
 CHAPTER 8

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This chapter presents the summary and conclusion of the study. In

presenting the summary, contents from dificrent chapters are discussed in brief.

8.1 Sum m ary

Agriculture is the foundation of Bangladesh economy and rice is the main

food item for the people of the country Rice alone cannot solve the demand for

balanced diet Nutritional deficiency is a very serious problem of the people of

Bangladesh today About 94% of the nation's children are malnourished and

nearly 30.000 of them get blind per year from vitamin A deficiency alone

Vegetables are the sources of vitamin A, C, carbohydrates, niacin,

riboflavin, calcium, iron and minerals They provide dietary fibre necessary for

digestion and health and curing nutritional disorders Vegetables are considered to

be protective food Hence vegetables constitute essential part o! balanced diet

Recently government has placed much emphasis on crop diversification to

attain self sufficiency in food production and to meet nutritional deficiency in the

shortest possible time Vegetable production is one of the important components

o f crop diversification programme o f the government Production o f vegetables is

expected to increase the income o f farmers, generate rural labour employment and

68
help m allev,aung rural poverty Potato, cauliflower and tomato are grown In

winter season may provide such opportunities

The present study was undertaken with a view to determine the profitability

of winter vegetables production in some selected areas of Comilla district The

specific objectives of the study were as follows

i) To document the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers producing

potato, cauliflower and tomato in winter season

ii) To determine and compare the costs and returns of potato, cauliflower and
tomato.

h i ). To determine the factors responsible for variation of yield and economic

returns of winter vegetables

iv) To identify the major problems associated with production and marketing
of selected winter vegetables

v) . To suggest some policy guidelines/recommendations

The area selected for the study covered five villages namely iChairabad.

Kong-shonagor, Porchimsing, Singherikhola, Behermondal under Debidwar and

Bunchong thana in the district of Comilla Survey method was applied to collect

the data In all 75 samples were selected

As regards the socioeconomic characteristics, the findings of the study

reveal .ha. the average fam.ly s,ze (6 02 members) of the selected winter vegetable

69
growers was higher than the national average of 5 4 (BBS. 1998). About 6 81 per

cent of the members of sample farmers family were illiterate

About 59. 29 and 12 per cent of selected winter vegetable growers were

operator, owmer-cum tenant and tenant respectively. Among the sources of income

of the selected winter vegetable growers came from agriculture

The cropping intensities ol the farms producing potato, cauliflower and

tomato were 198.53, 198 77. 198 47 respectively

In analyzing the costs of selected winter vegetables, both purchased and

home supplied inputs including family labour were considered Home supplied

inputs were valued at the existing market price The analysis of costs and returns

revealed that the farmers had to bear cost of production (Tk. 51396 79/ha) for

producing potato. The cost of production of cauliflower and tomato were Tk

64406 06 and Tk 61663.87 per hectare respectively Human labour constituted the

major cost item in the production process. On an average, per hectare human

labour required for potato was 296 man-days of which 95 man-days were home

supplied and 201 man-days were hired In the case of cauliflower production,

human labour required per hectare was 364 man-days ol which 150 man-days

were hired In the case of tomato, human labour required per hectare was 533

man-days of which 231 man-days were home supplied and 302 man-days were

hired

70
 The animal labour/power tiller cost of Tk 3590.84. Tk 2470.00 and Tk

2970.00 per hectare for potato, cauliflower and tomato respectively

Total variable cost in producing potato, cauliflower and tomato per hectare

were Tk 45995 32, Tk 58182.17 and Tk 55839 49 respectively.

The period considered for vegetable production was 3 months The rental

value of land tor producing different winter vegetables was the same amounting to

Tk 5000 which was charged as cost of land use for all winter vegetables

Gross return of the enterprises were calculated by multiplying the yield by

the market price Average yield of potato per hectare 24850.36 kg Thus gross

return was Tk. 99401 44 Gross margin and net return were Tk 53995 32 and Tk

48004.65 respectively In the case of cauliflower per hectare average yield was

29791 28 piece, gross return was Tk 119165.12 and net return was Tk. 54759 06

In the case of tomato per hectare average yield was 46721.12 kg. Gross return was

Tk. 93442.24 and net return was Tk. 31778 37.

It appears from above discussion that growers received positive net

return in producing per hectare of potato, cauliflower and tomato

To determine the impact o f different inputs upon the return from

selected winter vegetables, a Cobb-Douglas production (unction model «as

71
 fitted. These variables are human labour, organ,c manure, seedlings

inorganic manure, irrigation, insecticide and tillage

For potato production, human labour cost was significant at 1 percent level

and seed, insecticides and tillage cost were significant at 5 percent level and

inorganic manure cost, organic manure cost, irrigation cost were insignificant

Results indicate that 1 percent increase in human labour cost, seed cost, tillage

cost would increase the gross return by 0 769, 0 114, 0.222 percent respectively

but insecticides cost would decrease the gross return by 0 141 percent, assuming

the other inputs were held constant

For cauliflower production, seedlings cost was significant at I percent level

and human labour cost, irrigation cost and tillage cost were significant at 5 percent

level and inorganic manure cost, organic manure cost and insecticides cost were

insignificant. Results indicate that 1 percent increase in seedling cost, human

labour cost, irrigation cost and tillage cost would increase the gross return by

0.445, 0.596, 0.266 and 0.186 percent respectively but insecticides cost would

decrease the gross return by 0080 percent assuming that other inputs were held

constant

For tomato production, seedlings cost was significant at I percent level and

human labour cost irrigation cost, insecticides cost and tillage eost were significant

at 5 percent level and inorganic cost and organ,c cost w ent,"significant Results

indicate that I percent increase in seedlings cost, human labour cost, irrigation cos.

72
and tillage cost would increase the gross return by morgamc manure cost would

decrease the gtws return by 0.360 percent assuming that other inputs were held

constant

8.2 Conclusion

In determining the comparative profitability of potato, cauliflower and

tomato it was found that per hectare yield (46721.12 kg) and gross return of

cauliflower (Tk. 119165 12) was higher than those of potato and tomato From this

study, it can be concluded that cauliflower is more profitable than other

vegetables.

Net return from enterprise is generally influenced by a large number of

interacting factors From the tabular analysis, it was found that variation in yield

and net return were greatly influenced by the use of human labour, fertilizer,

irrigation water, tillage and insecticides. These factors were individually and

jointly responsible for variation in net returns of the selected vegetables

In the study areas, selected w.nter vegetable growers faced various types of

problem such as lack of institutional credit, lack of scientific technology, non

availability of quality seedlings and high price of seed/seedling, insufficient

irrigation, attack by disease, lack of labour availability, high price of fertilizer and

insecticide, low market price of product at harvesting period, storage proble .

lack of adequate transportation facilities, attack by domestic animal and wild

animal In order to increase the selected winter vegetables production, above

73
mentioned problems should be solved as early as possible Most of the farmers did

not follow the recommended doses of inputs If they could follow the

recommended doses, they could receive higher yield and higher profit

8.3 Recommendations

In the light ol the findings discussed above, tew conclusions have

been drawn and thereby recommendations for research scientists, extension

agents and policy makers have been chalked out

i). Institutional credit should be made available on easy terms and

conditions to the growers of winter crops

ii). Banks should encourage and extend credit for production of important
vegetables including selected winter vegetables

iii) . The extension services should be motivated to provide improved

technology So that the farmers can use their resources efficiently to

grow winter vegetables.

iv). Seeds of good quality, disease resistance and high yielding varieties
could be provided directly to the farmers just before the growing

season by procuring from abroad

.y S For increasing production of winter crops, fertilizers and insecticides

should be made available to the growers on time

74
mentioned problems should be solved as early as possible Most of the farmers did

not follow the recommended doses of inputs If they could follow the

recommended doses, they could receive higher yield and higher profit

8.3 Recommendations

In the light of the findings discussed above, few conclusions have

been drawn and thereby recommendations for research scientists, extension

agents and policy makers have been chalked out

i). Institutional credit should he made available on easy terms and

conditions to the growers of winter crops

li). Banks should encourage and extend credit for production of important
vegetables including selected winter vegetables

iii). The extension services should be motivated to provide improved

technology So that the farmers can use their resources efficiently to

grow winter vegetables.

iv). Seeds of good quality, disease resistance and high yielding varieties
could be provided directly to the farmers just before the growing

season by procuring from abroad

^ For increasing production of winter crops, fertilizers and insecticides

should be made available to the growers on time

74
 y ft Reasonable pnces of winter crops should be ensured by creating
storage facilities and establishing various kinds of food processing
industries

vii) Irrigation facilities should be extended to the winter crop growers

Government and non-government agencies can supply shallow tube
well at low cost to minimize irrigation problem

More attention is needed for improving transport facilities

ix) The extension workers should also help the farmers for better
cultivation practices and in gathering market information so that the
farmers could increase their production and sell their products at a
higher price

x) Domestic consumption of selected winter vegetables required to be

raised from the present status A well coordinated move towards
popularization of intake of potatoes as a major substitute of cereals is
yet to be made In this regard, wide and effective extension services to
the masses regarding food value are necessary

Establishment of cold storage and food processing industries at the

vegetables growing area can be helpful to the farmer to preserve and

process vegetable during peak period

8.4 Limitations of the Study

Almost all the studies have some limitations m tetms of times, money and

to that Despite the care taken to

personnel The present study is not an exception

75
make this study more meaningful, there are still spec,fie limilat.ons wh.ch are

highlighted below:

i. In traditional agriculture like Bangladesh where most of the farmers are

illiterate, it is very difficult to obtain reliable information, as they do not deep
any records of their farm business transactions The accuracy of data fully,
therefore, relied upon their memories and sincerity. Hence a single interview
of this kind proved to be a very challenging task and possibility of data errors
cannot be ruled out

ii The required data were collected from a limited area covering a very small
number of samples Thus, the scope of generalization from the collected data
was limited and may not represent the actual situation prevailing all over
Bangladesh

Despite o f the above limitations, the major findings of the study may be

useful in providing some important information for the farmers, extension workers

as well as policy makers But a note of caution should be taken while

generalization is sought from the results of this study lor other areas of

Bangladesh

76
make this study more meaningful, there are still specific limitations which are

highlighted below

i In traditional agriculture like Bangladesh where most of the farmers are

illiterate, it is very difficult to obtain reliable information, as they do not deep
any records of their farm business transactions The accuracy of data fully,
therefore, relied upon their memories and sincerity Hence a single interview
of this kind proved to be a very challenging task and possibility of data errors
cannot be ruled out

ii The required data were collected from a limited area covering a very small
number of samples Thus, the scope of generalization from the collected data
was limited and may not represent the actual situation prevailing all over

Bangladesh

Despite o f the above limitations, the major findings of the study may be

useful in providing some important information for the farmers, extension workers

as well as policy makers But a note of caution should be taken while

generalization is sought from the results of this study for other areas of

Bangladesh

76
BBS (1997). Statistical Year Book o f Bangladesh Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics,

Ministry o f Planning, Government of the Peoples Republic Bangladesh.

Dhaka. Bangladesh.

BBS (1998). Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

Ministry' o f Planning, Government of the Peoples Republic Bangladesh.

Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BBS (1999). Statistical Year Book o f Bangladesh 1998, Bangladesh Bureau of

Statistics Statistical Division, Ministry of Planning Dhaka.

BCRDC (1980). “Vegetable survey in Bangladesh". Bangladesh Vegetables

Research Development Centre, BRR1, Joydebpur, Dhaka.

BVRDC (1986). “Vegetable survey in Bangladesh" Bangladesh Vegetable

Research Development centre, BARI, Joydebpur, Dhaka.

Chowdhury, B. (1979). Vegetables, sixth Revised Edition, National Book I rust.

New Delhi. India.

Chowdhury, B (1992). Vegetables, 2nd Edn National Book Trust New Delhi.

India

DAE (1980). Fruits, Vegetables and Spices, Directorate of Agricultural I xtension.

Training Sul^Division, Farmgate, Dhaka

78
FAO (1994). FAO Production Year Book, 1994. Vol 48 FAO Statistics Series

No. 136, FAO, Rome, Italy.

FAO (1997). FAO Production Year Book, 1997. Vol 51, FAO Statistics series No.

142, FAO, Rome

FFYP (1998). The Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002). Planning Commission.

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka

GOB, (2000). Economic Review, Finance Department, Finance Ministry,

Government o f the people’s Republic of Bangladesh. Dhaka

GOB, (2000). Economic Review, Finance Department, Finance Ministry,

Government o f the people's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.

Hakim. M. A. (1993). A comparative Economic Analysis of cardinal and Multa

varieties of potato in Kotwali rhana of Bogra District, M. Sc. Ag. Econ.

Thesis Submitted to the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh

University, Mymensingh

Haque, M. M. (2000). A comparative economic analysis of pond fish production

and Fish nursery operation in some selected areas of Pabna district, M S. Ag.

Econ. Thesis, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

79
Hossatn, A. K. M. (1995). Homestead Vegetables Production in Bangladesh a

Consultancy Report. Submitted to BARC/BARI-AVRDC-USA1D project.

Hossain, M. A. (1993). An Economic Study ol the practice of Inter cropping in

some selected Areas under Shyampur Sugar Mills Zone in the District of

Rangpur. M. Sc. Ag. Econ. Thesis, Submitted to the Department of

Agricultural Economics. BAU, Mymensingh

Hossain, M. M. (1997). A comparative Economic Analysis of Some Selected High

Yielding Varieties of Winter Vegetables in an Area of Bangladesh. M S.

Ag. Econ. Thesis, Submitted to the Department of Agricultural Economics,

BAU, Mymensingh.

INFS (1980). Nutrient Contents of Bangladesh Food. Institute of Nutrition and

Food Science, University of Dhaka. Bangladesh

Islam. M R. (2000). An Economic Analysis of Winter Vegetables in an Area ol

Mymensingh District, M S , Ag. Econ. Thesis, Bangladesh Agricultural

University, Mymensingh

Islam, M. R. (2000). An Economic Analysis of Winter Vegetables in an Area of

Mymensingh District. M S Ag Econ Thesis. Bangladesh Agricultural

University, Mymensingh.

80
Kabir, H (2000). An Economic Analysis on Fmployment an Wage in Agriculture

in a Selected Area o f Jamalpur District, M S. Ag. Econ Thesis. Bangladesh

Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Mawla, M. G. (1998). An economic Analysis of Some Selected Winter Vegetables

in a Selected Area ol Norsingdi District, M S. Thesis, Submitted to the

Department to the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh

Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Naher, S. (1998). An Economic Analysis of Vegetables Production in a Selected

Area o f Mymensingh District. M. S. Thesis, Submitted to the Department of

Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Rahman, M A. (2000). An Economic Study of Banana Production in Comparison

with Dominant Cropping Patterns in a Selected Area of Jamalpur District.

M. S. Ag. Econ. Thesis, Submitted to the Department of Agricultural

Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Rahman, M M (1999). An Economic Analysis of Potato Production in Some

Selected Areas of Rangpur District. M S. Ag. Econ. Thesis, Submitted to the

Department o f Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University,

Mymensingh.

81
Rahman, R (2000) Kconomics o f BR-29 Boro Paddy Production in Melandah

Upazila o f Jamalpur District, M S. Ag F.con. Thesis, Bangladesh

Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Ramphal H. S. and Gill (1990). “Demand and Supply of Vegetables and fruits in

South Aisa”. AVRDC publication No. 90-331, AVRDC, Shanlua, Taiwan.

Rashid. M. M. (1976). Bangladeshi Shabji, Bangla Academy, Dhaka

Rashid M. M. (1983). Shabjir Chash, Begum Shahla Rashid, Joydebpur, Gazipur

Rashid, M. M. (1993). Subjibigyan (in Bengali), 1st edn. Bangla Academy, Dhaka.

Renee. Ronal (1952). The Flexibility of land Tenure, Capital and Credit Systems of

Meet Technical, Economic and Social Development in Selected Readings in

Agricultural Credit. J. F. Davis (ed.) University of C alifomia. USA.

Sarkhel, S. K. (1995). Relative Profitability of Chilli and its Competing Crops in

Some Selected Areas of Kurigram District. M. S. Thesis, Submitted to the

Department o f Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University.

Shaha, P. K. (1999). An Economic Analysis of Production of Different Varieties

Area of Pabna District, M S. Ag. Econ. Thesis, Bangladesh Agricultural

University, Mymensingh

82