Green Global
Foundation   Journal
...an emerging window for scientific research and publication across the globe

SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS, PROFITABILITY, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF INTEGRATED RICE-FISH FARMING: EVIDENCE FROM DINAJPUR DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH (Pages : 47 - 55)

Integration of rice and fish culture together not only mutually improves the production of rice and fish but also enhances food security of the people of Bangladesh. Although integrated rice-fish farming is still in its experimental stage, some agencies have come forward to promote its technology at farmer level. To promote the extension of integrated rice fish farming, this study is undertaken to identify the socioeconomic condition of the integrated rice fish farmers; to analyze the costs and benefits of integrated rice fish farming; and to assess the problems and suggests some policy guidelines of the integrated rice fish farming. Primary data were collected from Sadar Upazilla of Dinajpur district using a pre-tested questionnaire by following simple random sampling procedure. Mostly tabular and graphical analyses including profitability analyses were done to achieve the objectives of the study. Among the socioeconomic aspects, most of the respondents were middle aged (averaged 39.5 years), educated up to primary level, possessed a family of 2 members, and a house built in bricks with electricity connection. In terms of costs and returns analysis, total variable cost was Bangladeshi Tk. 76,725.5 while total fixed cost was Bangladeshi Tk. 45,400 per hectare per crop. Average gross return from rice-fish cultivation was Tk. 185,003 per hectare while net returns were Tk. 63,357.5 per hectare. These figures indicate positive profits of integrated rice-fish farming. The present study found several problems including lack of sufficient funds, lack of good quality seeds or fries, high price of input, low price of output, lack of scientific knowledge and technology, lack of extension services, problems of thefts and multiples ownership which acts as a barrier for rice-fish cultivation. To overcome the problems, the government should extend the supports by means of providing training, credit, and improving marketing facilities of the integrated rice-fish farmers. Download