Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2003

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Increase in rice production is essential to meet the food requirement of ever increasing population in Bangladesh. The opportunity for achieving this additional food production is horizontally restricted since the cultivated land can hardly be expanded. There is a wide gap between the potential and actual farm yield. However, the factors associated with existing yield losses claim identifications. Perceptions of Bangladeshi farmers on irrigated rice cultivation were studied to recognize the productivity constraints and yield gaps. Twenty-one demonstration farmers and eighty-four normal farmers were selected randomly from four villages of Burichong and interviewed. The results showed that imbalanced fertilization was the principal cause for low rice yield. Soil fertility maintenance, and improvement balance nutrients are the crucial element in bridging the gap. Increased yield has to come vertically via the application of improved technology. Such as improved varieties, use of quality seeds, pest management cultural and other management practices will help reduce yield gaps. Adequate extension service is a must to disseminate production technologies. IPM practicing farmers harvested significantly higher yields than those using other methods of pest management. The yield gap in Burichong subdistrict was estimated 1.62 t/ha, which is about 29% of the current farm level. The yield variation due to S and Zn was shown. Therefore, policy makers should take viable policies to facilitate the farmers to optimum use of yield improving protecting inputs, which will minimize the yield gap.