Development of an Empirical Model of Sustainable Rice Farming: A Case Study from Three Rice-Growing Ecosystems in Bangladesh

To facilitate sustainable agricultural development, this study developed a model of rice farming sustainability in Bangladesh and determined the key interventions for policy implementation. Data for the study were collected through a household survey and also via in-depth informal discussion with stakeholders. By constructing a composite indicator, path analysis results showed that major contributing sustainable rice farming indicators were land productivity, resources conserving practices and technologies and social and human capital building. Accordingly, we designed a model consisting of influential indicators, strategies and goals of dimensions, drivers of a conducive policy environment and cultural and ethical issues. The study concludes that existing models of sustainable agriculture are lacking in some important aspects and several interventions such as economic, institutional capacity building and policy making/reform are required for implementation of policy. This paper highlights the significance of an integrative model and the inclusion of the cultural values and ethical issues in fostering sustainable rice farming. Policy implications include to: (i) invest on land productivity by adopting resource conservation and climate-smart practices and technologies, (ii) enhance social and human capital formation and (iii) take initiatives for economic intervention to smallholders.