Evaluation and Future Options for Hillock Crop Production System in Lalmai Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Lalmai hillock area is emerging as one of the prominent vegetable growing areas of Bangladesh. The study was undertaken to evaluate the existing cropping patterns, economic analysis, identify general problems and develop future options for improving hillock crop production systems in the Lalmai hillock areas of Comilla region in Bangladesh. The study was concentrated in three villages of Lalmai hillock region of the Comilla district. Data were collected on 33 respondents of those three villages by interview schedule with the help of scientists as well as research personnel. The obtained findings indicated that most of the farmers practiced fallow-country bean cropping sequences on the top of hillock during kharif season. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of the bottle gourd was observed higher than other existing crops. BCR of the cucumber, turmeric and long bean was observed almost similar. BCR of the existing cropping pattern per year in the study area was counted from the range of 1.43 to 1.95. BCR was found higher in the cropping pattern of fallow + bitter gourd + country bean than other existing cropping pattern of the study area. The lowest BCR was observed from the one crop per year. Unit production cost of the potato was lowest as compared to other crops. Vegetable cultivation with relay cropping method is the most economical viable cropping pattern. The consecutive crops are country bean + bottle gourd and country bean + matos and BCR was found 2.29 and 1.96, respectively. Overhead tank system tubewell and rainwater harvesting systems could be provided at the hillock areas for irrigation in order to increase the crop productivity. Drought resistance crops and crops requiring light irrigation are suggested for crop production of the hillock region during winter season. However, proper implementation of the crop production system may help to bring the positive changes in the economy of the country.