Economic Viability and Yield Determinants of High-yielding Rice Varieties in Rangpur District of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigates the economic viability and yield determinants of high-yielding rice varieties in Rangpur district of Bangladesh. Examining primary data from 100 high-yielding varieties rice producers from Rangpur Sadar and Kaunia, the socio-economic characteristics, cost, economic viability and the factors affecting the yield of rice varieties are explored by this study. The study used descriptive statistics, cost-benefit analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to determine the socio-economic characteristics, economic viability, and yield determinants of high-yielding rice varieties. The findings indicate high-yielding rice varieties as an economically viable choice for the farmers. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 1.70 on full cost and 2.18 on variable cost basis, with a net return of Tk 73535/ ha. The gross margin was Tk 96649/ha. Here, fertilizer, irrigation, labor, education, and training services have a major favorable impact on the production of high-yielding rice varieties, even though seed rate, farm size, and extension services did not show any significant influence. Several constraints including unavailability of seeds, high costs of inputs, lack of capital, pest and disease had negative impact on the yield as well as adoption rate. The study highlights the importance of adopting high yielding rice varieties and provides emphasis on quality seeds, timely and accurate input supply and management, education, training services and effective policies to increase the rice production of Bangladesh and to ensure food security.