North-eastern Region Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry in the northeastern region of Bangladesh

Impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry in the northeastern region of Bangladesh

Rainfall-Runoff Estimation in the North-Eastern Region of Bangladesh Using SCS-CN Method

Measuring discharge in a developing nation like Bangladesh is very important for flood prediction, land management, and sustainable development. Rainfall-induced runoff is a part of the cycle of hydrology and is required for efficient water resource planning. The most significant debatable procedure in hydrology is calculating and determining catchment surface runoff. The study aims to estimate runoff using the GIS-based Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number method (SCS – CN) method, where this hydrological model has a physical foundation and spatial distribution, and the curve number plays a key role in this model's runoff computation. The Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG) present in the study area and the land use pattern are used to find the Curve Number (CN). The calculated weighted CN for Antecedent Moisture Condition (AMC) I, II, and III for the study area was roughly 74.78, 87.12, and 94.06 respectively with the incorporation of Land use and land cover (LULC) and HSG. For total average rainfall of 35163.8mm, the SCS-CN approach determined the total average runoff 16077.55 mm for the period of 2009-2018. With a correlation coefficient of 0.966, the average rainfall and SCS-CN discharge have a significant linear relationship. The runoff regulates the amount of water that enters stream systems and returns extra precipitation to the ocean benefitting the hydrological cycle. With this runoff estimation, the quality and amount of water resources can be better understood, managed, and tracked. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 12(2), 2023, P 83-96

Necessary storage for managing early flash flood to save crops in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh

Necessary storage for managing early flash flood to save crops in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh

Evaluating Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Status of Lemon (Citrus Limon L.) Orchards in the North-Eastern Region of Bangladesh

Soil (0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm depth), leaf and fruit samples were collected from seventeen orchards of lemon (Citrus limon L.) from different locations of Habiganj district to evaluate the physicochemical properties, nutrient status of soil, and nutrient concentrations in lemon leaves and fruits. The soil was found to vary pH from extreme to medium acidic (3.9 to 6.0), organic matter content 0.63 to 1.71% at 0 to 15 cm and 0.16 to 1.42% at 15 to 30 cm depth. Electrical Conductivity was found non-saline in nature which was 37.9 to 100.1 μS/cm at 0 to 15 cm and 25.1 to 69.0 μS/cm at 15 to 30 cm depth. The dominant soil textural class was sandy clay loam. The total N, P, K and S in soils were found 0.038 to 0.085%, 0.024 to 0.071%, 0.022 to 0.144%, and 0.040 to 0.294% at 0 to 15 cm depth, respectively and 0.012 to 0.076%, 0.024 to 0.056%, 0.012 to 0.139%, and 0.016 to 0.333% at 15 to 30 cm depth, respectively. Available N was found 20.37 to 67.90 mg/kg at 0 to 15 cm and 20.37 to 74.69 mg/kg at 15 to 30 cm depth. Major soil samples were found low in available phosphorous, 0.35 to 66.95 mg/kg at 0 to 15 cm and 0.83 to 29.19 mg/kg at 15 to 30 cm depth. Available sulphur was also found low in concentration, 4.62 to 68.48 mg/kg at 0 to 15 cm and 2.10 to 15.54 mg/kg at 15 to 30 cm depth. The exchangeable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in soils at 0 to 15 cm depth were found 0.040 to 0.221 meq/100g, 0.002 to 0.046 meq/100g and 0.017 to 0.042 meq/100g, respectively and at 15 to 30 cm depth these were found from 0.025 to 0.097 meq/100g, 0.003 to 0.054 meq/100g, and 0.016 to 0.050 meq/100g, respectively. The concentrations of total N, P, K and S in leaf were 1.198 to 2.659%, 0.500 to 0.778%, 0.112 to 0.246% and 0.010 to 0.133%, respectively. The concentrations of total N, P, K and S in fruit were 0.760 to 1.549%, 0.250 to 0.611%, 0.107 to 0.190% and 0.005 to 0.031%, respectively. The present findings illustrated the low to medium soil fertility status under the lemon plantation in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh and growers could be recommended to plant lemons after applying soil amendments to improve the physico-chemical properties of soils in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(1): 69-78

A predictive modelling approach to illustrate factors correlating with stunting among children aged 12–23 months: a cluster randomised pre-post study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to construct a predictive model in order to develop an intervention study to reduce the prevalence of stunting among children aged 12–23 months.DesignThe study...

Crop production amid climate change and river water level fluctuation at northeastern region of Bangladesh: A time series analysis

Crop production amid climate change and river water level fluctuation at northeastern region of Bangladesh: A time series analysis

Evaluation of Gladiolus Genotypes at Akbarpur, Moulvibazar

Twelve gladiolus genotypes were collected and evaluated in the Research Field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Akbarpur, Moulvibazar, during November 2018 to May 2020 for identifying suitable line(s) for commercial cultivation in north eastern region of Bangladesh. The genotype that produced flower stalk within minimum days of planting was GL-Akb-012 (66.16 days.The longest rachis length was recorded in GL-Akb-003 (80.12 cm) which was statistically significant from other eleven genotypes. Plant height varied considerably with the highest plant height in GL-Akb-012 (145.67 cm) and the lowest plant height was in GL-Akb-011 (89.33 cm). All of the genotypes in general, produced more than 12 florets per spike, however GL-Akb-001 produced the highest number of florets per spike (17.33). Vase life of the genotypes showed variation, GL-Akb-012 had the highest vase life of 9 days. The highest weight of corm found in GL-Akb-004 (320.00 g). In respect of variation in plants, for instance, flower quality, corm and cormel production characters, the gladiolus genotype GL-Akb-012 was most promising for commercial cultivation.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(3): 321-329, September 2021

Crop production amid climate change and river water level fluctuation at northeastern region of Bangladesh: A time series analysis

The overall goal of this study was to examine the effects of climate change on the yield of four distinct crops (Aus, Aman, Boro and Wheat) in Sylhet by using secondary climate data from 1970 to 2020. The study's other goal is to assess the impact of river water levels on crop productivity in Sylhet over time. Data on crop productivity, weather variability and river water levels were gathered from the various fields. Yield vs. climatic correlation was discovered in the study, and this correlation varied according to season. To estimate the impact of climate change on rice yield, a multiple regression model is used. Climate variables in the model were found to account for 11% of the overall variation in Aus rice yield. The relationship between relative humidity and maximum temperature is positive and statistically significant. Other variables had no effect on yield because they were not significant. Furthermore, Regression results indicated that climate variables account for 60.6 percent of the overall variation in Aman rice output. Relative humidity, on the other hand, can undermine the yield. Climate variables account for 53.5 percent of the overall variation in Boro rice output, according to the findings. As a result, an increase in rainfall may have a negative impact on Boro rice yield. Maximum and minimum temperatures might have a favorable impact on Boro rice yield. Increases in maximum temperature, on the other hand, can considerably boost Wheat yield while decreases in minimum temperature can diminish Wheat yield. On the other side, the results of the regression analysis suggest that river water level has a minor impact on Aus, Aman, and Boro yield. However, as the model demonstrates, the river water level can have an impact on wheat yield. The impact of temperature and rainfall on water level was also investigated in this study because the regression model failed to produce positive results. Surprisingly, the model performs well, despite the fact that maximum temperatures have a negative impact on water levels in the Aus and Aman seasons. This shows that if warmer temperatures aid raises Aus and Aman yields, then the water level cannot sabotage the yield rise. Rainfall has a favorable impact on the water levels in the Aus, Aman, and Boro seasons, but has a negative impact on the water levels in the Wheat season. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 18-26, December 2022

Quality Assessment of Dried Striped Dwarf Catfish, Mystus vittatus in the North-Eastern Region of Bangladesh

Dried fish is a popular and in-demand fish food item in Bangladesh, and it is regarded to be the most cost-effective form of nutritional protein, which helps to alleviate malnutrition among the disadvantaged people. A consumer survey reported a slew of concerns regarding the physical, visual, and organoleptic aspects of market available sun-dried fish. The current study evaluated the organoleptic, nutritional, and microbiological quality of dried striped dwarf catfish, Mystus vittatus, which is one of the most popular dried fish in Bangladesh. To highlight the quality disparities among the samples, an experimental sample was made in the laboratory with the utmost hygiene and sanitation. Experimental samples had the highest features score than marketed ones, according to organoleptic analysis. Except for moisture and ash content, the experimental sample had greater mean lipid, protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free-extract (NFE) values. The mean (±SD) moisture content of the experimental, drying yard and market sample were 19.82±1.7, 21.44±2.7 and 24.3±1.4%; lipid content were 12.30±2.12, 10.54±1.76 and 9.04±2.41%; protein content were 43.01±.10, 41.74±.79 and 39.67±3.18%; ash content were 16.11±1.70, 17.91±3.70 and 20.77±3.24%; crude fiber content were 1.78±.08, 1.56±.08 and 1.54±.13% and NFE content were 7.01±1.08, 6.80±.77 and 4.67±1.01%, respectively. The mean Total Plate Count (TPC) of dried M. vittatus from the experiment, drying yard, and market samples, respectively, was 4.51±0.11, 5.33±0.25, and 6.39±0.18 log cfu g-1. The results show that commercially manufactured dried striped dwarf catfish has low organoleptic, nutritional, and microbiological quality. Commercially manufactured dried fish requires improved hygiene and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure consumer safety and health.

Food security status of Suchana-participating households in north-eastern rural Bangladesh.

Despite achieving remarkable progress, food insecurity remains a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, and severe food insecurity status has not been reduced in susceptible areas and vulnerable regions in Bangladesh. Wetlands that are susceptible to flooding can be found in Bangladesh's north-eastern Sylhet division. Suchana, a large-scale nutrition programme, implemented nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions in poor and very poor households in Sylhet and Moulvibazar districts in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. The aim of this article is to assess the association between the Suchana intervention and household food security status among poor and very poor households in north-eastern rural Bangladesh using the Suchana baseline and endline survey databases. The baseline survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017, while the endline survey was undertaken 3 years later, during the same months. The outcome variable in this analysis was household food security status, which was measured using the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance's Guideline. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data; after controlling for the union as a cluster and relevant covariates, a multiple multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent effect of the Suchana intervention as an exposure. Overall, 14.0% of households were food secure at the baseline survey (intervention: 14.1%, control: 14.0%) and 22.0% were food secure (intervention: 26.6%, control: 20.2%) at the endline survey. For households in the intervention area in comparison to the control area, the odds of being moderately food insecure [aOR: 1.36 (1.05, 1.76), p < 0.05], mildly food insecure [aOR: 1.83 (1.33, 2.51), p < 0.001], or food secure [aOR: 2.21 (1.47, 3.33), p < 0.001] compared to being severely food insecure was significantly higher. Thus, we infer that the 3 years of Suchana intervention marginally increased household food security status among the socio-economically disadvantaged population in north-eastern rural Bangladesh. If concerns regarding gender equity, women's education, and income-generating activities are addressed, the population could experience even greater benefits in food security. In order to overcome these challenges, all stakeholders including programme implementers and policymakers should work together to implement the appropriate measures.

Enhancing Livelihood and Biodiversity Through Caritas Intervened Project in the Northeastern Region of Bangladesh: A Case Study

In the last two decades, many development projects have been undertaken by different GOs and NGOs in diverse areas of the world with the expectation that they will simultaneously address the challenges of declining rural livelihoods and biodiversity. Caritas Bangladesh, a leading national and non-profit organization, has implemented several social welfare and community development projects since the 1970s. Accordingly, Caritas implemented a noble project in 2019, namely: Improving the livelihoods of extremely poor people by promoting green energy and biodiversity in the aspect of climate change in disaster-affected areas of Bangladesh (ILPGB). Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the impacts of the ILPGB project on the livelihood and biodiversity improvements of the rural farmers in the Netrokona and Sunamgonj districts of Bangladesh. The assessment was done through random samplings of 60 stakeholders using a semi-structured questionnaire for livelihood analysis and quadrat (10 x 10 m2) plotting techniques in the farmer's homestead for biodiversity analysis. The results showed that the ILPGB project had brought changes, most of which have had positive impacts on the human, social, physical, economic, and natural capital of the participants, and the process of livelihood development was slow but showed improving trends. Nevertheless, a platform for social relations and networks has been created among the participants in the project implementation areas. On the contrary, a total of 34 plant species were identified in the participants' homestead, of which 18 were trees, 6 shrubs, and 10 herb species. The species dominance showed that farmers tend to grow fruit tree species for their family's needs, and the general plant diversity in the northeastern region of Bangladesh was moderate to low. So, the study strongly recommends that the ILPGB project should continue for another two to three years. During this time, farmers could easily build their livelihood capital and improve their homestead biodiversity with the help of the project's planting materials and agricultural inputs.

Performance of Two Aman Rice Varieties Using Varying Plant Density in the Northeastern Region Of Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to assess the performance of two popular rice varieties with varying spacing at a farmer's field in Darbost union of Jaintapur Upazila under the Sylhet district of Bangladesh during aman season 2016. Two aman rice varieties (BRRI dhan34 and Binadhan-17), and four levels of plant density (15×10 cm, 20×10 cm, 20×15 cm, and 25×15 cm) were tested in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results indicated that yield and yield attributes of rice differed significantly due to varieties, spacing, and their interaction. It was recorded that var. Binadhan-17 showed maximum flag leaf length (34.33 cm), maximum number of filled grains m−2 (27855), maximum grain weight m−2 (654.58) contributed to increase grain yield (6.55 t ha−1) in closer spacing (20×10 cm), which ultimately increased grain yield. Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that rice var. Binadhan-17 could be transplanted at 20×10 cm spacing for getting maximum yield (6.55 t ha−1) in northeastern region of Bangladesh.&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(2): 1-12

Urban growth assessment in the Northeastern region of Bangladesh for sustainable landscape management and conservation

ABSTRACT Land use and land cover change are regarded as vital ingredients to evaluate suitable and sustainable forecasting tools for ecological balance on earth to planners and policymakers. This paper investigated land-use changes in the Northeastern region of Bangladesh, a region with diverse landscapes and bio-cultural heritage, using Landsat images from 1987 to 2017 with 10 years interval. Our results showed that 242.79% expansion of built-up lands and 39.65% reduction of tree cover, which was alarming and quite dominant between 1987 and 2017. Over the last three decades, 18.38% of non-tree vegetation increased while water, seasonal cropland, and bare land were decreased by 14.67%, 11.46%, and 35.75%, respectively, which indicates that the loss of cropland is linked with expansion of urban growth or built-up area. For the sustainability of concurrent natural ecosystem and proper conservation of its remnant biodiversity, a long-term land management plan should be undertaken demarking clear land zoning with full involvement of the government (i.e., Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change) and allied non-government agencies.

Household food insecurity after the early monsoon flash flood of 2017 among wetland (Haor) communities of northeastern Bangladesh: a cross‐sectional study

AbstractThe livelihoods of wetland (Haor) communities living in northeastern region of Bangladesh are largely dependent on agriculture. Unseasonably heavy rainfall in Haor basin and upstream Indian catchments triggered a devastating early monsoon flash flood in Haor basin at the beginning of April in 2017, which destroyed the nearly ready‐to‐harvest annual rice crop and resulted in significant income loss of Haor dwellers. The present study aims at assessing post‐flood household food insecurity and the factors associated with it in the aftermath of this flash flood. A cross‐sectional study design was adopted, and a survey covering 1845 flood‐affected households was conducted to measure the post‐flood household food insecurity. A set of questionnaires was adopted from Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to assess the level of household food insecurity, and a modified poisson regression model was used to identify the risk factors of household food insecurity. A staggering 62% of the surveyed households were found food insecure following the flash flood. Being ultra‐poor, loss of livestock in flood, household head's occupation being natural resource‐based, and household reliance on market purchase of food were identified as significant risk factors of post‐flood household food insecurity. Household being headed by relatively younger, educated people, and household owning agricultural land were found to be protective against post‐flood food insecurity. Therefore, post‐flood emergency programs, especially the food assistance programs should be designed prioritizing these most food insecure groups instead of considering household poverty as the only selection criteria. As a long‐term plan, a multi‐sectoral approach focusing on disaster risk reduction by taking into account the risk of disaster‐induced food insecurity is essential to reduce the vulnerability of wetland communities.

Land-Use and Land-Cover Change Detection in a North-Eastern Wetland Ecosystem of Bangladesh Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Lakshmibaur-Nalair Haor, a freshwater wetland ecosystem is situated in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. This place hosts the second largest freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh. Containing rich biodiversity, this unique area experiences significant landscape changes. This study examines land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes between 1989 and 2019 in the Lakshmibaur-Nalair Haor area by operating Landsat multispectral imageries through remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The changing status of the haor was analyzed by initiating normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI). The unsupervised classification technique was implemented to classify these images into five major classes (vegetation, cropland, bare soil, shallow water, and deep water bodies) using threshold values of NDVI and MNDWI. After accuracy assessment, the post-classification comparison method was performed to evaluate the change detection. This study demonstrates that this valuable area lost ~ 2208.6 ha (37.54%) of the deep water body and 489.6 ha (8.34%) of vegetation over the last 3 decades. However, it has gained about 1729 ha (29.39%) of cropland, 2673 ha (45.44%) of shallow water and 1124 ha (28%) of bare soil. Such changes indicate significant human interventions such as expansion of croplands with increased population pressure. Gradual change of deep water into shallow water over time is enabling local community to expand agricultural lands and activities during the dry season. This study’s findings are useful in understanding and tracking changes in wetlands in Bangladesh and other similar settings.

Prevalence of Visceral Schistosomiasis in Cattle Slaughtered in North-Eastern Region of Bangladesh

A cross sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and identify possible risk factors (season, sex) of Schistosoma in three north-eastern districts of Bangladesh namely Mymensingh, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj. Mesenteric sample of cattle from different slaughter houses were collected and examined for helminths which were identified as Schistosoma on accordance with Soulbsy, 1965. Total 67 (55.83%) out of 120 randomly selected samples were found positive for schistosomiasis. Cattle of Kishoreganj were mostly infected (67.50%), followed by Sunamganj (55.00%) and Mymensingh (45.00%). Regarding seasonal prevalence, samples collected during winter (63.33%) were more infected than summer (48.33%). Moreover, 58.69% of male and 46.42% of female were found infected. In conclusion, relatively high prevalence was recorded in the study areas based on the results obtained. Hence, control measures against schistosomiasis must be designed.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(1): 165-169, April 2021

Effects of 2017 Early Flash Flooding on Agriculture in Haor Areas of Sunamganj

The Sunamganj district is covered by major Haor systems in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. Flash flood is the most commonly occurring water related disaster in the Haor areas. During the flash flood it is very common that people lost their primary agricultural productions which are the only source of their livelihood. The present study focuses on the effects of 2017 early flash flooding on rice and fish production of Sunamganj Haor areas. The flood caused enormous damage to agriculture such as rice especially Boro rice and fish production on which the Haor dwellers rely upon for their livelihood. The total affected land of Boro rice cultivation in Haors of Sunamganj was 149,224 hectare and the total amount of damaged rice was 393,855 metric ton (MT). The total number of affected farmers was 315,084. The early flash flood also affects the quality of Haor water which caused the death of fishes. The total amount of damaged fish was 49.75 MT and the loss was 158.70 lakh taka. The total number of affected fishermen was 44,445. This findings could be very useful for the environmental scientists to predict the probable future effects on agricultural production due to early flash flood events in Sunamganj Haors areas.&#x0D; Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 12(1&amp;2): 117-125, 2019

Dynamics and Determinants of Participation in Integrated Aquaculture–Agriculture Value Chain: Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis of Indigenous Smallholders in Bangladesh

This study examines the dynamics of integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) value chain participation and assess the determinants of participation (non-participators, continuing participators, and leavers) using three wave panel data obtained from small-scale indigenous farm households in Northern and North-eastern region of Bangladesh. We employ panel estimation strategies to control for omitted variables and endogenous regressors. The results confirm some previous findings that educated, larger family size with better access to extension, market information and community-based organisation (CBO) are more likely to participate and continue in IAA value chain activities. Importantly, farm size and farm income does not matters for IAA value chain continuous participation, suggesting that IAA value chain activities are appropriate for resource-poor households who are only able to afford low-input technology. The results also indicate that the factors influencing continued participation and dis-participation of the IAA value chain activities especially for up and downstream activities are different.

Hypertension and its physio-psychosocial risks factors in elderly people: a cross-sectional study in north-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Hypertension and its physio-psychosocial risks factors in elderly people: a cross-sectional study in north-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Crop intensification with short-duration pulse crop(mungbean)using climate-smart agriculture technology in northeastern region of Bangladesh

Despite the economic progress in Bangladesh, a hot spot of hunger remained within the rapidly growing population and even the Covid-19 Pandemic made the hunger more intensive. Increasing the cropping intensity by replacing fallow with a short-duration pulse crop using climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technology in the northeastern area of Bangladesh might increase food security and the livelihood of poor farmers. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate short-duration mungbean crop in between the two rice-based cropping systems following CSA technology. The study was conducted at two locations following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the farmers' field of Netrokona and Sunamganj Districts of Bangladesh during the period from March to May 2021. Results from both the study areas showed that CSA technology had substantially increased the total yield of mungbean, and BINA-8 variety performed the best results of 1061 kg/ha yield in the Sunamganj area. In mungbean cultivation, the lower tillage, 50% less fertilization, manuring, crop residues and efficient irrigation of CSA technology had a positive impact on water infiltration, soil nutrient status and water use efficiency of more than 40% compared to traditional cultivation systems. Nevertheless, the CSA in mungbean cultivation had enhanced carbon sequestration and reduces GHG emissions. The results also revealed that mungbean plant residues add an average 4.35 ton/ha green mass to the soil and saved more than 25% labor costs for mungbean cultivation. Therefore, crop intensification with mungbean using CSA technology in the disasters pruned area would be a good approach to combat food security and income generation of farmers. The study also argues that there is an immediate need for more intensive research to better quantify the mitigation effects of CSA technology.