ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL SPECIES PREFERENCE IN DIFFERENT CROPPING SYSTEMS IN RAJSHAHI DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Different types of annual and perennial crop species have been detected in cropland agroforestry (CAF), homestead agroforestry (HAF) and annual cropping (AC) system in four Upazilas (Bagha, Charghat, Puthia and Tanore) under Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were to assess and compare farmer’s preference to different types of annual and perennial species in homestead agroforestry, cropland agroforestry and annual cropping systems, and to find out the financial values of the species among different cropping systems. The sample size was 150 small agroforestry farmers of which 50 were from cropland agroforestry, 50 from homestead agroforestry and 50 from annual cropping system. Banana (BCR = 3.85) was found as the most financially profitable species in AC system in the study area. However, four types of paddy (41% of total preference) were identified as the most preferred species in AC system. Farmers usually grew 25 different annual crop species on their croplands. Blackgram was the most profitable (BCR = 4.02) annual crop species in CAF system. Sugarcane was the most financially profitable species as a crop combination and also as sole crop. For getting quick return farmers grow sissoo in their croplands. Among 19 HAF species, sweet gourd (27%) was the most preferred species (14%) and financially beneficial annual crop. Out of total 21 tree species in HAF system, mahogany was planted by 21% farmers 21%. However, mango was recorded as the most planted and profitable species in respect to the plot number (90%).