Practices of conservation agricultural technologies in diverse cropping systems in Bangladesh.

Abstract

High Yielding Varieties (HYV) along with chemical fertilizer, pesticides and irrigation had introduced in Bangladesh in the name of “Green Revolution” to feed the huge population of the country. This results degradation in soil health and reduce productivity in the long run. In this context, conservation agriculture (CA) is becoming increasingly important in overcoming the problems of declining agricultural productivity. This paper investigates the benefits and impacts of CA practiced by the farmers in Bangladesh. The study covered a range of soils and cropping systems for the evaluation of CA in Rajshahi; Mymensingh; Rajbari, and Thakurgaon districts. Data and information were gathered through focus group discussion (FGD), household survey, and case studies. A total of 458 households were interviewed considering the level of adoption of CA from different cropping systems. The results show that most of the farmers under Mymensingh and Thakurgaon districts don’t have any knowledge in sowing/transplanting by machineries whereas farmers in Rajbari and Rajshahi districts have comparatively better knowledge on this. Overall 76.45% respondents know the benefits of using organic matter in soil. For tillage operation, draft power use is higher than other machineries in all cropping seasons. The retention of crop residues was found higher in Boro rice compared to Aman and Aus rice and other crops. A few farm households had a little knowledge on how to improve soil health through retention of crop residues. Only 39.30% respondents practiced crop rotations, and 30% respondents practiced mixed cropping, and most of them experienced increased production. The major constraints of adoption of CA mentioned by the respondents are low production, more weeds, low animal feed, lower cooking fuel and bothering job. Providing adequate knowledge and training of CA should be provided to the farmers for sustainable agricultural productivity.