Growth and Instability Analysis of Minor Pulses in Bangladesh

Abstract

Providing a balanced diet to ensure food and nutritional security is the primary worldwide challenge. Food production efficiency and sustainability must be enhanced to address hunger and malnutrition, while food quantity and quality must grow. Pulses are an important food for the people of Bangladesh. Besides major pulses, we have to look at minor pulses as well. On the other hand, growth and instability are the two crucial aspects of agriculture. Since agriculture depends on weather conditions, the crop area, production, and yield are subject to significant variations over time. This study examined growth and instability in the area, production and yield of minor pulses using secondary data for the past 40 years (1981-2020). The entire period was divided into four sub-periods: 1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010 & 2011-2020 for analysis through different statistical tools. A suitable exponential growth function was used to calculate growth rates, and the Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDI) was created to examine instability. The investigation showed that over the time period, both the area and production of minor pulses significantly decreased. However, the yield growth rate was modest and fell short of the demand in our nation. The investigation also revealed that there was no stability in the area, production, or yield of minor pulses during the course of the study.