Crop Diversification in Bangladesh: Constraints and Potentials

The present study is an effort to analyze the present situation of crop diversification in Bangladesh using secondary data. Required data were collected from various issues of government of the country. Simpson index and Rice Share index of crop diversification have been used to calculate the nature and extent of crop diversity in Bangladesh. The study found that slightly more than half of the gross crop area grows crop twice in a cropping year. Yield and production of different crops, especially cereal crops, except few cash and minor crops, have increased by almost three folds in last four decades due to technological advancement. However, crop sector’s contribution to GDP is in a decreasing trend. Cropping intensity has been increasing since independence of the country. Rice share in gross crop area has been decreasing at a snail's pace. Still rice share in gross crop area is more than three fourth of gross crop area. Value of Simpson index of crop diversification has been increasing slowly since 1971. Simpson index value indicates Bangladesh is a mediocre diversified country and Rajshahi division is more diversified region in Bangladesh. Index value also indicates small farmers’ practices crop diversification more than that of other types of farmers. The study also found price and yield variability, existing marketing system, present irrigation system and water management system are the few prominent hindrances in the way of crop diversification. By minimizing the reported impediments crop diversification can be enhanced substantially that would lead to increase the potential of employment generation and earnings of the rural people in the country.