Constraints to Agricultural Production and Marketing in the Lagging Regions of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study analyzes the constraints affecting agricultural production in the lagging regions of Bangladesh. These regions are lagging in agricultural productivity due to natural phenomena and past government policies. Ten lagging regions, covering eight administrative divisions, were selected for analysis based on crop productivity indicators, percentage of the population in extreme poverty, and agroecological zones. Data were collected from 1257 farm holders using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were mostly older, illiterate males with low levels of education. Production constraints included inadequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticides in local markets. Labor accounted for the highest proportion of agriculture expenditures (51.3%), followed by equipment rental (11.8%), then pesticides (9.3%), and irrigation (8.2%). Only 35.4% of respondents availed credit to purchase agricultural inputs; among them, 85.4% borrowed from formal sources. Lack of proper irrigation facilities, production machinery, and access to institutional credit, difficulties procuring inputs and storing products, and negative impacts of climate were identified as the major constraints to agricultural productivity and marketing in the lagging regions. Access to credit and being adversely affected by weather impacted respondents’ agricultural productivity more than sociodemographic factors.