Adoption of improved wheat management practices: An empirical investigation on conservation and traditional technology in Bangladesh

Wheat is a vital cereal contributing second after rice in the food, calorie, and protein intake for the people in Bangladesh. Due to the loss of arable land, its production has declined notably over the last two decades, and oppositely demand has increased, which in turn, raising wheat imports. Wheat production needs to be augmented by adopting improved management practices to meet demand and reduce import dependency. Therefore, this study assessed the farmers' adoption level of improved techniques and factors affecting the adoption level by using primary data collected from 320 traditional and conservation technology practising wheat farmers in the northwest region of Bangladesh. This study assessed farmers' adoption level through Adoption Quotient Index, whereas, Tobit model was employed to identify the factors affecting adoption. Results revealed that small and conservation technology-practiced farmers are more adopting improved management practice than their counterparts. Farmers' adoption levels of improved wheat varieties, recommended seed sowing period, application of Muriate of Potash (MoP), first and second irrigation period, and harvesting period was found high. Whereas adopting the recommended seed rate, third irrigation period, and the application of plant protection chemicals was low. Wheat farmers' education, farming experience, amount of labour (family and hired both) used, amount of land under wheat cultivation, extension services, organizational membership, training, and market distance influenced their adoption level. This study recommends facilitating training on improved wheat management practices, increased organizational involvement, and reduced labour cost through mechanization for enhancing adoption among farmers, which will ultimately increase wheat production.

Automated summary

Wheat is a vital cereal in Bangladesh, but due to loss of arable land, its production has declined leading to increased imports. Small and conservation technology-practiced farmers are more likely to adopt improved management practices, with high adoption levels for some aspects but low for others. Factors such as education, farming experience, and labor usage influence farmers' adoption levels. Training, organizational involvement, and mechanization are recommended to enhance adoption and increase wheat production.