DETERMINANTS OF LAND SHIFT FROM FIELD CROPS TO MANGO CULTIVATION IN RAJSHAHI REGION OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The shift of land in favor of high valued crops (such as: fruits) has played an important role in stabilizing and increasing farm income, increasing agricultural expansion, increasing job facilities and also ensuring the best use of the land. Studies on micro- level decision making about shifting land to fruits are very scarce. Hence, a trying was employed to appraise the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, and the factors associated with shifting land from field crops to mango cultivation in the northwestern region of Bangladesh. The study site was Bagha, Shibganj and Nachole upazila under Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts of Bangladesh. Using a multistage random sample technique, primary data were gathered from 150 carefully chosen farmers in July - August of 2022. The data was analyzed using binary Probit model and descriptive statistics. The selected 12 characteristics of the respondents were considered as the explanatory variables and shifting decision constituted the dependent variable. Socio-economic factors play an important role in the respondents' behaviors toward shifting decision. Econometric analysis shows that age, contact with AEO, marketing facilities, favorable environment, societal membership and perception price of field crops had a significant effect on the decision to move land. Perception price of field crop was found to be the most significant positive factor determining land shifting decision, holding a marginal effect coefficient of 0.62 respectively. Insect and disease infestations, as well as a lack of technical assistance and training facilities, were among the various obstacles encountered by the respondents. It can be beneficial to offer the required training facilities and a formal loan with a lower interest rate to change the next investment decision of the shifted farmer.