ECONOMICS OF SINGLE ANIMAL PLOUGHING IN BANGLADESH : PRESENTATION OF SURVEY RESULTS

In this study attempts were made to identify the areas of single animal ploughing (SAP) in Bangladesh, causes of its localization and the socio-economic constraints hindering the expansion of the system. To determine the areas of single animal ploughing, 123 upazilas of 15 districts were surveyed. Of them, 16 upazilas were found heavily engaged with this system. A detailed investigation of 469 SAP and 439 double animal ploughing (DAP) farmers revealed that there was significant difference between the two systems in respect of cost of production and yield per unit of land. The benefit/cost (B/C) ratio was higher in SAP system. However, no significant difference was observed in respect of time required for ploughing, intensity of cropping, cost of implements, and cost of repairing implements (except yoke). The study recommends for expansion of SAP system in areas where buffaloes are concentrated. Fro this purpose, logistic and institutional supports need to be made available.