Impact of Chemical Fertilisers on Productivity, Profitability, and Farmers' Environmental Perception in Boro Rice Farming in Bogura District, Bangladesh

Abstract

In developing countries, rice is the most important crop in terms of both overall output and the number of consumers who rely on it as a staple diet. Carbohydrates make up the majority of rice grains, with proteins, fat, vitamins, and dietary fibres following. This study was done with the objective of analysing socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, identifying the impact of using chemical fertilisers on crop production, and assessing the perception of farmers regarding chemical fertilisers on the environment. In this study, primary data were collected from Sonatala Upazila of Bogura district of Bangladesh, where 50 Boro rice farmers were interviewed randomly with a structured questionnaire. The duration of data collection was from March to April 2020. Descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas production function, and Fishbein attitude model have been used for analysing data. The t-test indicates a significant difference between the fertiliser used, yield, costs, and returns of Boro rice production comparing the present time and ten years ago. The Cobb-Douglas production function identifies that, along with other variables, chemical fertilisers have a significant impact on production. The results also indicate that the overall attitude score (Ao) was found to be -1.354, indicating that farmers’ attitude about using chemical fertilisers on the environment is not positive in Boro rice production. The results emphasise promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the efficient use of inputs, the adoption of modern technologies, and better management practices. Therefore, policy efforts should focus on strengthening agricultural extension services, providing farmers with training on optimal input use, pest management, and sustainable soil fertility practices.