Effects of Socio-economic Status of Farmers upon Cropping Pattern and Productivity in Rangpur Division, Bangladesh

Abstract

The study delved with the effects of socio-economic status (SES) of farmers upon the
cropping pattern and productivity in the Rangpur division, one of the most
physiographically and climatologically poverty-stricken regions of Bangladesh. The study
investigated the SES of the farmers, land size and ownership, cropping pattern, and
cultivation methods. A total of 300 farmers from the Rangpur division were selected as the
respondents. The Primary data were collected through questionnaire survey as well as
FGDs and KIIs in the study area. Secondary data were collected from the relevant
published national reports, research articles and books. The data were analysed and
presented with SPSS software and GIS. The study found that conventional cropping
pattern has been practiced by majority farmers, and they are reluctant about adopting to
changing cropping pattern which is needed to acclimatize with the accelerating
physiographic and climate change induced (CCI) hazards. Accordingly, low productivity,
increased food demand, food insecurity, malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment, as well as
social and economic hazards has been increasing in the Rangpur division. As the SES of
the farmers is directly connected to cropping pattern and productivity, the study focused
upon the need to improve the SES of the farmers for ensuring the adaptation to alternative
cropping patterns and thus increase crop yield. The study recommends to take the
national initiatives to improve the SES of the farmers, which is anticipated to initiate a
paradigm shift from Conventional to Comprehensive agriculture. This will ensure
alternative cropping pattern, invention of high yielding and hazard tolerant crops varieties,
development of modern granaries and cold-storages, as well as development of agrobased
national and public industries. The study is expected to specify the needs to
improve the SES of the farmers of Rangpur division to strengthen the agri-based economy
of country.