Rice production in Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate-related risk such as drought, which contributes to food insecurity. Adoption of drought-tolerant rice varieties can play an important role in increasing productivity, food grain supply, and income. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have measured the welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in the South Asian and Bangladeshi context. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that influence the intensity of adoption and welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in Bangladesh. To accomplish these objectives, 300 rice growers from three drought-prone districts of Bangladesh were surveyed. To analyze the impacts, the entire sample was divided into three groups depending on their share of land under drought-tolerant rice variety cultivation: full adopters, partial adopters, and non-adopters. The descriptive statistics, two-limit Tobit model and multivalued treatment effect models were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, training as well as technology-related factors play a major role in boosting the intensity of adoption. Full adopters of drought-tolerant varieties receive 1222–1473 kg higher yield per hectare compared to non-adopters. Based on several treatment effect models, the impact on income ranges from 3.46% to 4.22%. When compared to non-adopters, full adopters can consume 1.02–1.29 months more rice from their own production in a year. Shows about climate change and other relevant topics should be broadcast on the television on a regular basis to raise awareness. Modifying the extension method with modern communication technologies will aid in widespread adoption of new technologies. Drought-tolerant rice varieties can help to mitigate the harmful effects of drought and alleviate poverty in drought-prone areas.

This study examines the drivers of improved livestock management practices (ILMP) adoption in rural Bangladesh using data from the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI) Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS). This study investigated four improved management practices: artificial insemination, concentrate feed, vaccination, and deworming. The binary logit and multivariate probit (MVP) models were used to analyse the data. According to the findings, approximately 65% of farmers practiced deworming, but only about 20% of farmers vaccinated their livestock. Logit regression analysis suggested that rural households with mobile phones and televisions were 5.2% and 3.8% more likely to adopt. Furthermore, compared to their peers, farmers who have maintained contact with livestock extension agents are 11% more likely to adopt. The MVP model indicated that likelihood of using concentrate feed increases with income, while artificial insemination is more prevalent among farmers who raise livestock for sale. Policy implication included the need for more extension agent-delivered awareness development programmes to educate livestock farmers on the benefits of ILMP. Scale-appropriate management practices can also play an important role. Farmers should be guaranteed of the availability of livestock feed and veterinary services at reasonable prices to promote adoption.

Insect resistant genetically modified Bt cotton (containing a gene of Bacillus thuringiensis) has substantial potentiality of mounting cotton productivity. This study unveils an early insight on the economic viability of Bt cotton in Bangladesh. A total of 248 traditional cotton farmers and 8 Bt cotton experimental fields were surveyed in April 2022 for achieving the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that the cost of Bt cotton production was slightly higher than that of conventional cotton. However, Bt cotton yielded a productivity increase of 0.81 t/ha. The cultivation of Bt cotton resulted in a higher net return (USD 2436/ha) compared to conventional cotton (USD 1624/ha). The results further indicated that the use of insecticides and pesticides in Bt cotton was significantly lower compared to traditional cotton, thereby contributing to the preservation of the natural environment. Overall, cultivation of Bt cotton is economically viable and may generate environmental benefits. Steps are warranted to disseminate and expand its cultivation.

Potato is the third largest food crop in Bangladesh by tonnage of production. Its acreage and production are also increasing in day after day. This study was accomplished to examine the profitability and resource use efficiency of potato cultivation in five upazilas of Munshiganj district of Bangladesh. A total of 52 farmers were selected randomly from the study area. Data were collected through farm survey by using a suitable pre-tested questionnaire in February-March, 2016. Profitability analysis, Cobb-Douglas production function, MVP, MFC and Farm Budgeting model were used to analyze the objectives. Average gross return, gross margin and net return were found Tk. 3,47,200, Tk. 1,47,125 and Tk. 1,17,300, respectively. Benefit-cost ratio was found 1.51 and 1.74 on full cost and variable cost basis, respectively. The key production factors, i.e. human labour, land preparation, seed, fertilizer, insecticides and irrigations had significant effect on gross return of potato. Resource use efficiency analysis revealed that farmers were not efficient in using resources in potato cultivation. Human labor, land preparation, insecticide and irrigation were under-utilized and therefore increasing use of those resources could maximize the profitability. Seed and fertilizer constituted major parts of the cost of production hence optimum use of those resources could also enhance the profitability and resource use efficiency of potato cultivation in Munshiganj district.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 193-206 (2017)