Wheat Production in North West region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes of wheat production
technologies and yield over time and to explore and analyze the opinion of the traditional
and agro-forestry based wheat growing farmers during November 2014 to March 2015.
The study was conducted at northwest region in Dinajpur sadar and Kaharul upazilas in
Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. These areas were selected considering the high
concentrations of wheat cultivation. One hundred and sixty wheat farmers were selected
by using previously pre-tested interview schedules adopting multi-stage proportionate
systematic random sampling technique. Most of the farmers of the study area had
reported to use recommended varieties, optimum planting time and spacing, fertilizer
doses and method of application. They also reported to irrigate their fields in appropriate
time and do other management practices as and when necessary. Despite, farmers were
not much aware on seed treatment and disease management of wheat. In order to get
higher economic return and to avoid crop failure, some innovative farmers were found to
practice mango and litchi based agro-forestry systems in association with wheat. These
systems were also reported to conserve soil moisture by reducing air temperature and
adding organic matter by decomposing tree leaves. The major points or suggestions were
instance availability of good seed including drought tolerant varieties, availability of
inputs at affordable prices especially irrigation water at reduced prices, improved
management practices particularly disease management, credit with low rate of interest,
improved marketing facilities and good prices of wheat during peak season. Based on the
findings of the study it could be recommended to continue the present efforts of
developing new varieties and technologies in view of future changing scenario of climate
of Northwest region of Bangladesh and train up the wheat growers accordingly.