Economic Efficiency and Constraints of Maize Production in the Northern Region of Bangladesh

Faruq Hasan M. 2008. Economic Efficiency and Constraints of Maize Production in the Northern Region of Bangladesh. j. innov.dev.strategy 1(1): 18-32 The study was conducted at the Sadar upazila of Dinajpur and Panchagarh to estimate the costs, returns and economic efficiency of maize production compared to Boro rice. The growth rate of maize in the country and constraints to maize production at farm level was also emphasized. The sample size of the study was 100 equally from each district. All the farmers used hybrid seeds for maize cultivation with an average yield of 6.27 ton/ha, which is higher in Dinajpur (6.35 ton/ha) compared to Panchagarh district (6.18 ton/ha). The returns of scale of the selected inputs were 0.72 and 0.68 for Dinajpur and Panchagarh respectively. The technical efficiency was found on an average 0.84 at Dinajpur and 0.80 at Panchagarh. It was also found that, farmers in the study area had scope to increase maize productivity by attaining full efficiency through reallocating the resources. Economic analysis of maize and maize-based cropping pattern in comparison to Boro rice and Boro-based cropping pattern indicates the high profitability of maize production system than that of Boro rice. Comparatively high growth rate was found in area, production as well as in yield of maize since 1987-88 to 2005-06 as the composite and hybrid varieties were introduced in this period. High seed price, low grain price, and unavailability of fertilizers at time when required are the top most three constraints as indicated by the maize farmers. It was suggested that, supply of inputs at fair price at time when required and an organized marketing system is essential for expanding the maize production in the country.