Bogra District Research Articles

Assessment of fishing gear efficiency, species diversity, and socioeconomic impacts on fishermen along the Jamuna River, Bangladesh

The Jamuna River in Bangladesh is a vital source of freshwater aquatic resources and a natural breeding habitat for freshwater fish. However, recent declines in gear efficiency and species variety have significantly impacted the economic situation of fishermen. A study was conducted on 117 fishermen in Sariakandi upazilla, Bogra district, Bangladesh, from July 2022 to June 2023. The data was collected through direct visits, group discussions, and in-person interviews. The study identified 18 fishing gears and found that the seine net was the most effective gear for 8 months, with Cypriniformes being the most dominant fish order. The highest species abundance was recorded in September, while the lowest was in February. Only two types of fishing crafts were recorded during this period. The socioeconomic conditions of the fishermen were documented, with 71% being professionals and the rest being occasional. Most were over 40 years old, experienced, and had a large family. Their homes were kacha dwellings, with only 6% missing sanitary facilities and 76% using kacha latrines. Annual earnings ranged from 12500 to 169000 Tk, with 41% relying primarily on fishing and the remainder on other activities. A total of 59% of the fishermen borrowed loans from non-governmental organizations. This study shows that diminishing species diversity and total catch significantly impact fishermen's socioeconomic conditions. The government should take proper steps to protect the natural ecosystem of the Jamuna River and enhance the living needs of fishing communities in the study area.

Collection, preservation, and identification of freshwater fish species in middle to north-east Bangladesh with special notes on phenotypic plasticity of few species

A checklist of 110 species of fishes belonging to 10 orders, 31 families and 78 genera was recorded with their scientific, common and Bangla or local names. These fish specimens were collected from the rivers, beels, haors, ponds and swamps of middle to North-east Bangladesh (Jamalpur, Netrokona, Kishorganj, Munshiganj and Bogra Districts). The order Cypriniformes (37%) was recorded higher followed by Perciformes (24%), Siluriformes (23%), Clupeiformes (6%). The global and national IUCN categories of these species are also provided. Based on local IUCN criteria, around 23% fish species belongs to threatened level and 5, 8 and 10% are denoted as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU), respectively. Although collection and preservation is comparatively hassle-free, however, due to mingle nature of few fish species; it seems difficult to error free identification of the collected fishes by morphological traits alone. Two individuals from Sanondabari, Jamalpur (MHBSFMSTU Fish 92 and Ghaglajur Bazar, Netrokona (MHBSFMSTU Fish 84), morphologically very similar but they are completely two separated species i.e. Gagata cenia and G. youssoufi, respectively. Phenotypic plasticity is a barrier to name the fish species accurately, suggesting the presence of putative candidate species or existence of hidden diversity in the collected specimens of Sisoridae family. Due to anthropological effects, the biodiversity and fishing grounds are losing their qualities, resulting the low number of freshwater fish species in these sampling sites. The systematic, ecology, distribution, habitats of these fish fauna need to be studied exclusively and a well-planned conservation strategy need to implement as early as possible for protecting our valuable freshwater tasty fishes. Further, the output of the current study will also guide the government and non-government organization to come forward and take necessary measure for the betterment of the country, its economy, and fisheries resources.

Estimation of annual rate and spatial distribution of soil erosion in the Jamuna basin using RUSLE model: A geospatial approach

Soil erosion poses a serious threat to the western Jamuna sub-basin area in Bangladesh, comprising of 8 districts and 202 unions. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) methodology integrated with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied to compute the annual soil erosion rate for the western Jamuna sub-basin area. Primarily open-source data was utilized in this study to propose a low-cost and rapid soil erosion monitoring framework. Results indicate that a total of 598,232 tons of soil is being lost annually from the study area. Furthermore, the study estimates a potential average soil erosion rate of approximately 29.5 tons/ha/year in the 202 unions. The spatial distribution of soil erosion suggests that the unions of Bogra, Sirajganj and Jamalpur districts undergo higher soil loss compared to the unions of Pabna and Natore districts. The three unions with dominant mean soil erosion rates are the Bhandarbari and the Sariakandi Paurashava of Bogra district, and the Kaoakola union of the Sirajganj district. Heavy rainfall after a prolonged dry season, the presence of steep slopes and the susceptibility of the unions located in proximity to the Bangali river and the Jamuna river leading to higher rates of surface runoff and floods resulted in higher rates of soil erosion. On the contrary, the Atgharia Paurashava and Debottar unions of Pabna district and the Moshinda union of Natore district are the unions with minimal soil erosion rates, which likely be attributed to the presence of flat terrain, low annual rainfall, higher vegetation cover and the predominance of clayey soils. Overall, the study identifies an increasing trend of soil erosion rates from the south-western part of the study area towards the central, north-eastern and south-eastern parts which are close to the Jamuna river. Such quantification of annual soil loss is necessary for the formulation and implementation of effective soil conservation strategies.

Molecular Detection of Potato Viruses in Bangladesh and Their Phylogenetic Analysis.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a major food source in the whole world including Bangladesh. Viral diseases are the key constraint for sustainable potato production by reducing both quality and quantity. To determine the present status of eight important potato viruses in Bangladesh, tuber samples were collected from three major potato growing regions (Munshiganj, Jessore and Bogra districts) in January–February 2017 and February 2018. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with coat protein (CP)-specific primers were used to amplify CP sequences of the respective viruses, and confirmed by sequencing, which were deposited in the GenBank. Results indicated that the tuber samples were subjected to Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus H (PVH), Potato aucuba mosaic virus (PAMV) and Potato virus M (PVM) infection, whereas mixed infections were very common. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PLRV from this study was closely related to a Canadian and a Chinese isolate, respectively; PVX was closely related to a Canadian and a Chinese isolate, respectively; PVY was closely related to a Chinese isolate; PVS was closely related to a Chinese and an Iranian isolate, respectively; PAMV was closely related to a Canadian isolate; PVH was closely related to a Huhhot isolate of China; and PVM was closely related to an Indian and an Iranian isolate, respectively. As far as we know, PAMV in this study is the first report in Bangladesh. These findings will provide a great scope for appropriate virus control strategies to virus free potato production in Bangladesh.

Dengue epidemic in a non-endemic zone of Bangladesh: Clinical and laboratory profiles of patients.

BackgroundsApproximately, half of the population in the world including tropical and sub-tropical climates region is at risk of dengue. Being an endemic country, Bangladesh has experienced the largest dengue epidemic in 2019. The present study aimed at evaluating the clinical and laboratory profile of dengue patients in northern Bangladesh during the epidemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 319 serologically confirmed dengue patients admitted in Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra district. It is one of the main tertiary care hospitals in northern Bangladesh. Data were collected from July to September 2019. Patients’ clinical and laboratory data were extracted from clinical records. Patients were classified into two classes according to the WHO 2009 dengue classification such as (i) non-severe dengue and (ii) severe dengue. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used in this study.ResultsOf the 319 patients, 94.1% had non-severe dengue and the remaining 5.9% had severe dengue (severe plasma leakage 68.4%, severe organ involvement 68.4%, and severe clinical bleeding 10.5%). Most of the patients were suffering from primary dengue infection. The most common clinical presentation was fever followed by headache and myalgia. Vomiting and abdominal pain were the most prevalent warning signs. The common hematological findings on admission were leukopenia (63.3%), thrombocytopenia (30.4%) and increased hematocrit (26.6%). Raised serum ALT or AST was observed in 14.1% cases whereas raised serum creatinine was observed in 6.6% cases. Signs of plasma leakage (pleural effusion, respiratory distress, and ascites, rise of hematocrit >20% during hospital stay) and hepatic or renal involvement (serum ALT >42UI/L or serum creatinine >1.2 mg/dL) on admission were mostly associated with severe dengue.ConclusionThe study provides clinical evidence on presentation as well as hematological and biochemical profile of dengue patients in northern Bangladesh that should be implicated in effective patient management.

Conditions of a Better Market Preference by the Farmers in Marketing of Vegetables : A Study in the Bogra District of Bangladesh

Conditions of a Better Market Preference by the Farmers in Marketing of Vegetables : A Study in the Bogra District of Bangladesh

Improved Vegetable Cultivation Practices: An Adoption Study among the Farmers’ of Some Selected Areas in Bangladesh

The research work has been done to determine the extent of adoption of improved vegetable cultivation practices by the farmers. Attempt was also made to explore the contribution of selected characteristics of farmers viz. age, education, family size, farm size, experience in vegetable cultivation, annual income, vegetable cultivation knowledge, extension media contact, organizational participation, innovativeness, training experiences and problems confrontation on their adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation.
 It is a Field Survey Research Shajahanpur upazila under Bogra district of Bangladesh by the department of Agricultural Extension and Information System between January to June of 2018.
 Data were collected from randomly selected 112 farmers of Chopinagar union under Shajahanpur upazila of Bogra district by using a structured interview schedule. Appropriate scales were developed in order to measure the variables. Multiple regression test was used to ascertain the contribution of the concerned independent variables on the dependent variable of the research work.
 50% of the farmers had low adoption while 40% had medium adoption and 9.80% had high adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation. Among the selected characteristics education, experiences in vegetable cultivation, annual income, innovativeness and training experiences showed significant and positive contribution to their adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation. However, family size and problems confrontation showed the negative significant contribution to adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation of the farmers. Age, farm size, vegetable cultivation knowledge, extension media contact and organizational participation did not show any significant contribution on the adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation of the farmers.
 Adoption of improved vegetable cultivation practices by the farmers will not be possible to improve in a significant extent unless the concerned authorities (like-Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Department of Agricultural Extension) take proper steps.

Survey, morphology and white mold disease of country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary in-relation to soil physico-chemical properties and weather conditions in Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to document the incidence of white mold disease in country bean production areas at Bogra, Pabna, Jessore, Sylhet, Hobigonj and Gazipur districts in Bangladesh during 2016–17. A total of 115 farmers’ fields was surveyed from early vegetative to end of harvesting stages. Pathogens were collected from diseased stems, racemes and pods. Soil samples were collected from the same fields. White mold disease was identified based on symptoms in the field. White mold disease infection was recorded in 100% of the surveyed fields in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogra district, while approx. 90, 80, 60 and 20% of the fields were infected in Bahubal of Hobigonj; Golapganj of Sylhet; Ishordi of Pabna and Monirampur of Jessore, respectively. White mold was not found in any of the fields surveyed in Joydebpur, Gazipur. Disease incidence and severity were higher in Shahjahanpur of Bogra and Bahubal of Hobigonj district. Moderate disease incidence and severity were observed in Golapganj of Sylhet. Pathogen infection was higher in the fields with loamy fine sandy soil with pH of 5.11–6.22. Globose to irregular black sclerotia developed in infected plant parts and the sclerotia germinated and produced apothecia in the fields after rain. Hyaline, branched, well developed and septate mycelia developed on potato dextrose agar medium. The hyphae were 2.0–7.2 μm in width. After five days of incubation, the subsurface mycelial cells swelled and formed dark black sclerotia. The sclerotia were 1.5–6 mm in width and 2–17 mm in length. Sclerotia germinated, and brown colored round to globose shaped apothecia developed at the end of a long stipe. The length and diameter of apothecia were approximately 4–21 mm and 2–8 mm, respectively. Asci were hyaline and cylindrical in shape, while the ascospores were elliptical. The size of ascus and ascospore was 68–155 × 4.5–6.01 μm and 4.7–6.94 x 4–6.2 μm, respectively. Calcium oxalate was formed on the wall surface of the asci. Disease incidence was negatively correlated with pH and calcium content in the soil while apothecia formation was positively correlated with rainfall and humidity.

Impact of Grameen Bank Microcredit on Standard of Living in Rural Poor Women in Sariakandi Upazila of Bogra District

The standard of living in many developing countries like Bangladesh especially rural area is not standard level or satisfied. The microcredit programs of Grameen Bank (GB) in Bangladesh have emerged as a strategy on standard of living and reduction poverty. They are also trying to remove poverty and unemployment and energetic poor people who want to engage in economic activities, the institution provides not only loan to them but also advice and monitoring. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of GB microcredit on standard of living of rural women in study area whom have already involved in its loan. As sample only 198 current microcredit fund receiver’s respondents from Sariakandi upazila under Bogra district were selected. Data were collected from six centers under two selected branches using questionnaire. Data were explained normally under descriptive method using simple statistical tools such as chi-square test and One-way ANOVA test and econometric model such as OLS regression. After analyzing data, results of the study show that there has a positive effect on savings, average monthly income, expenditure, average level of education of borrowers’ households, number of income earner and asset. The results of One-way ANOVA test indicate that there exists a significant relationship among some factors of standard of living with amount of loan of GB and Chi-square test is proved that microcredit of GB has also a positive contribution on improving standard of living in study area.

Adaptation of metal and antibiotic resistant traits in novel β-Proteobacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans BHW-15.

Chromosomal co-existence of metal and antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria offers a new perspective to the bacterial resistance proliferation in contaminated environment. In this study, an arsenotrophic bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans BHW-15, isolated from Arsenic (As) contaminated tubewell water in the Bogra district of Bangladesh, was analyzed using high throughput Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) complete genome sequencing scheme to reveal its adaptive potentiality. The assembled draft genome of A. xylosoxidans BHW-15 was 6.3 Mbp containing 5,782 functional genes, 1,845 pseudo genes, and three incomplete phage signature regions. Comparative genome study suggested the bacterium to be a novel strain of A. xylosoxidans showing significant dissimilarity with other relevant strains in metal resistance gene islands. A total of 35 metal resistance genes along with arsenite-oxidizing aioSXBA, arsenate reducing arsRCDAB, and mercury resistance merRTPADE operonic gene cluster and 20 broad range antibiotic resistance genes including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and multiple multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux gene complex with a tripartite system OM-IM-MFP were found co-existed within the genome. Genomic synteny analysis with reported arsenotrophic bacteria revealed the characteristic genetic organization of ars and mer operonic genes, rarely described in β-Proteobacteria. A transposon Tn21 and mobile element protein genes were also detected to the end of mer (mercury) operonic genes, possibly a carrier for the gene transposition. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility assay showed a broad range of resistance against antibiotics belonging to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations), monobactams and even macrolides, some of the resistome determinants were predicted during in silico analysis. KEGG functional orthology analysis revealed the potential of the bacterium to utilize multiple carbon sources including one carbon pool by folate, innate defense mechanism against multiple stress conditions, motility, a proper developed cell signaling and processing unit and secondary metabolism-combination of all exhibiting a robust feature of the cell in multiple stressed conditions. The complete genome of the strain BHW-15 stands as a genetic basis for the evolutionary adaptation of metal and the antibiotic coexistence phenomenon in an aquatic environment.

Socio-Economic Factors Responsible For Adoption of Alien Fish Species by Fish Farmers in Bangladesh

Adoption of alien fish species for aquaculture has become a common practice in Bangladesh. In this study, the socio-economic factors responsible for alien species adoption by fish farmers in Bogra District of Bangladesh were investigated. Data on adoption and socio-economic factors were collected from randomly selected 110 fish farmers. A multiple regression model was used to determine the factors influencing the adoption of alien fish species. The majority of the respondents (62.7%) belong to the moderate adoption category. The results showed that socio-economic factors such as commercialization, social participation, innovativeness, knowledge significantly affected fish farmers decision to adopt alien species. A stepwise regression analysis reveals that farmers knowledge on aquaculture is the deterministic factor regarding adoption. The trend of adopting alien fish species is not a concern limited to the study area, rather it reflects the general scenario of the aquaculture industry in Bangladesh. Therefore, socio-economic studies on alien fish species adoption could be helpful in forecasting future trends and formulating management strategies.

Geochemistry of subsurface Late Quaternary ironstones in Rajshahi and Bogra Districts, Bangladesh: implications for genetic and depositional conditions

The present study deals with the geochemistry of Late Quaternary ironstones in the subsurface in Rajshahi and Bogra districts, Bangladesh with the lithological study of the boreholes sediments. Major lithofacies of the studied boreholes are clay, silty clay, sandy clay, fine to coarse grained sand, gravels and sands with (fragmentary) ironstones. The ironstones contain major oxides, Fe2O3* (* total Fe) (avg. 66.6 wt%), SiO2 (avg. 15.3 wt%), Al2O3 (avg. 4.0 wt%), MnO (avg. 7.7 wt%), and CaO (avg. 3.4 wt%). These geochemical data imply that the higher percentage of Fe2O3* along with Al2O3 and MnO indicate the ironstone as goethite and siderite, which is also validated by XRD data. A comparatively higher percentage of SiO2 indicates the presence of relative amounts of clastic quartz and manganese-rich silicate or clay in these rocks. These ironstones also have significant amounts of MnO (avg. 7.7 wt%) suggesting their depositional environments under oxygenated condition. Chemical data of these ironstones suggest that the source rock suffered deep chemical weathering and iron was mostly carried in association with the clay fraction and organic matter. Iron concretion was mostly formed by bacterial build up in swamps and marshes, and was subsequently embedded in clayey mud. Within the coastal environments, the water table fluctuates and goethite and siderite with mud and quartz became dry and compacted to form ironstone.

Financial profitability of green chilli production: a case study in Bogra district of Bangladesh

Financial profitability of green chilli production: a case study in Bogra district of Bangladesh

Diversity of Cropping Pattern in Bogra

With a view to document the existing cropping patterns, cropping intensity and crop diversity, a study was carried out over all the upazilas of Bogra agricultural region during 2015-16. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was properly used for this purpose. In the findings it was recorded that 21.88% of net cropped area (NCA) of the region was occupied by the cropping pattern Boro−Fallow−T. Aman. This pattern was found to be distributed over 27 upazilas out of 35. The second largest area, 13.26% of NCA, was covered by Potato−Boro−T. Aman, which was spread over 17 upazilas. A total of 177 cropping patterns were identified in the whole region in this investigation. The highest number of cropping patterns was identified 36 in Nandigram upazila and the lowest was six in Dupchachia and Kahalu upazila of Bogra district. The lowest crop diversity index (CDI) was reported 0.718 in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district followed by 0.734 in Kalai of Joypurhat. The highest value of CDI was observed 0.978 in Pabna sadar followed by 0.972 in Bera upazila. The range of cropping intensity values was recorded 183-291%. The maximum value was for Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat district and minimum for Bera of Pabna. As a whole the CDI of Bogra region was calculated 0.966 and the average cropping intensity at regional level was 234%.Bangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(2): 73-90

Lion Motif used in Buddhist Architecture of Ancient Bangladesh

Lion is the king of the animal world. They live in the plains and grassy hills. The male lion's job is to protect the clan from enemies. However, lions do not have any natural enemy. Due to these characteristics, the lion has been considered through all ages in the world as a symbol of royalty and protection as well as of wisdom and pride. In Buddhism, lions are symbolic of the Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist architecture, lion motifs or figure were used as protectors of Dharma and therefore support the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas. The lion motifs (symbol) were also used at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines possibly for the same reason. In ancient Bangladesh, there are various types of Lion motif used in terracotta plaques of Ananda Vihara, Rupbhan Mura and Shalban Vihara at Mainamati in Comilla district, Vashu Vihara, Mankalir Kundo at Mahasthangarh in Bogra district and Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in Naogaon district. This paper aims to address the cultural significance of the lion motif in Buddhist architecture of ancient Bangladesh and relates it to various types of representation to understand its origin and evaluation.

Farmers Attitude towards Safe Food Production in Bangladesh: A Study in Bogra District

Farmers Attitude towards Safe Food Production in Bangladesh: A Study in Bogra District

Adoption extent of organic vegetable farming in Bogra district, Bangladesh

Adoption extent of organic vegetable farming in Bogra district, Bangladesh

Adoption extent of organic vegetable farming in Bogra district, Bangladesh

Adoption extent of organic vegetable farming in Bogra district, Bangladesh

Factor Analysis towards Women Empowerment through Participation in Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) in the North-West Part of Bangladesh

Empowerment is a process of awareness and capacity building leading to greater decision-making power and control and to transformative action. Women's empowerment is not only about their economic betterment and reduction in dependency but also about gaining greater control over lives and claiming the rights and entitlement for them. Hence, a study was undertaken with the objective to find out the contribution of factors towards the women empowerment by participating in different income-generating activities. The study was carried out in the Bogra District, which is located in the north-west part of Bangladesh. Four hundred thirty-seven women who are the beneficiaries of Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK) were selected for data collection from seven unions under the Upazila, namely, Sariakandi and Gabtoli from this district. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect the data from the respondents from December 2014 to April 2015. Out of four dimensions in relation to women empowerment, economic access of the women is the highest in position with lower access into political dimension. Data indicated that the majority of the respondents (64.76%) were in the medium empowerment category, whereas 18.76% and 16.48% of them were in the low and high empowerment categories, respectively. The Pearson correlation test depicted that out of 20 variables, 11 had significant positive and one had negative relationship with the empowerment. Result of stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that eight variables, namely, knowledge (KNG), attitude towards GUK (ATG), cosmopoliteness (COS), fatalism (FAT), duration with GUK (DWG), income (INC), education (ED) and training (TR) contributed significantly, which as a combination explained 68.56% of the total variation to women empowerment. Path analysis indicated that these eight variables had both direct and indirect effects on empowerment. Beneficiaries of GUK women who had more KNG, had positive attitude towards the GUK/NGOs, were more cosmopolite, educated, had training (TR) experiences, had high income and were for a long time with NGO were found to be highly empowered in the society.

Adoption prospects and implication problems of practicing conservation agriculture in Bangladesh: A socioeconomic diagnosis

The research was conducted to evaluate the problems and prospects of adopting conservation agriculture in Jamalpur and Bogra districts of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers (20 from focal and 100 from control group) were surveyed for collecting necessary data and information. A combination of descriptive statistics and mathematical techniques was used to analyze the data. Focal farmers followed the basic principles of conservation agriculture but control farmers continued conventional crop farming practices. Focal farmers were more profitable compared to control farmers in terms of wheat and bean production. Less production due to minimum tillage, difficulties in maintenance, lack of extension service etc. was the major problems faced by the farmers. Knowledge on soil conservation and soil quality improvement, use of organic fertilizer, etc. was found as strengths; management of crop residue, scarcity of cowdung, etc. were found as weaknesses; labour opportunities, market demand, etc. were found as opportunities; and climate change and price fluctuation were found as threats of adopting conservation agriculture. Regular extension contact, arrangement of training programmes and input support are to be ensured by different government and non-government organizations to motivate farmers for adopting conservation agriculture practice.