Improved management practices vis-a-vis farmers' practices for rice-based cropping systems in Bangladesh: yield gaps and gross margins

Rising global food demand attributable to ever-increasing population and income growth requires a substantial increase in food production, but there are limits to yield growth. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess potential yield, yield gap, and gross margins under improved management practices (IMP) and farmers' practices (FP) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-boro rice (Oryza sativa L.), and transplant aman rice-cropping patterns. The two representative subdistricts selected in Bangladesh were Mithapukur (Rangpur district) and Ulipur (Kurigram district), which are located in Tista Meander Floodplain Agroecological Zone. Fifteen farmers were selected from each location. Each farmer cultivated an area of 1,200 m(2) and divided it into two plots - one received IMP, the other FP. Management practices included the use of modern varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. The study findings revealed that IMP provided higher yields than FP at both locations for all three crops. The yield gap between IMP and FP was 42-60% at Mithapukur and 45-51% at Ulipur for potato, 23-28% and 19-21% at Mithapukur and Ulipur, respectively, for boro rice, and 16-23% at Mithapukur and 20-26% at Ulipur for transplant aman rice. The findings showed that IMP provided substantially higher yields across crops and study locations. Gross margins of the crops under IMP were higher compared with FP at both locations. Therefore, greater yield can be obtained by following the IMP. To materialize this, regular and close collaboration between research and extension wings of the government and farmers is extremely essential.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of improved management practices on crop yields and gross margins, finding that IMP provided higher yields and gross margins across all crops at both locations compared to farmers' practices, with substantial yield gaps between the two management approaches. Regular collaboration between government research and extension wings and farmers is crucial for achieving greater yields.