A study of the homestead fruits in char areas of Sherpur district, Bangladesh in relation to their economic aspects.
Rahman M. N., Rahman M. M., Hoque M. M.
Author Affiliation: On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Tangail, Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 31 : 29-38
Abstract : A study was conducted during 1990-91 at two char areas (land created by river deposition) of Sherpur district, Bangladesh, using pre-tested questionnaires on landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers to assess the economics of homestead fruit production. Results indicate the size of the homestead increased with the farm size. Banana, mango and jackfruit trees were most commonly grown. A higher participation of male workers (53%) than female (15%) was observed in the planting and management practices. Yields of fruit trees were much lower than their potential due to lack of technical know how, unavailability of seed and seedlings, limited use of fertilizer and damage caused by poultry and livestock. Highest returns (taka 300/tree/yr) were obtained from mango, jackfruit and jujube [Ziziphus], followed by olive (taka 250/tree/yr). The return from banana, betel nut [Piper betle] and pomegranate was taka 80-90/tree/yr. The lowest return (taka 40/tree/yr) was obtained from lemon. Consumption and the giving of homestead fruits as gifts increased with the increase in farm size.