IMPACTS OF CLIMATE FACTORS INFLUENCING RICE PRODUCTION IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The world is under pressure to provide food for its more than 7 billion of citizen right now and by 2050 it is expected that the world will be the home to around 9 billion people. Bangladesh is a densely populated country and home to more than 160 million people which is struggling to manage the sufficient production of rice and wheat. Besides over population burden, climate change has been threatening to food security in Bangladesh as well as in the world. This study was aimed to determine the specific effects of variable on rice production. Climate data has been procured from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (year 2011-2018) and rice production data were collected from DAE (Department of Agricultural Extension) and BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics). These data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Generalized Least Squares (GLS) and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) methods. The results showed that increased climate variability, climate extremes in particular exacerbate risk. Rice yields are sensitive to rainfall extremes, with both deficient and surplus rainfall increasing variability. Additionally, climate inputs, non-climate input, normally, high yielding variety seeds are found to be increasing average in agricultural yield. The results of this study, has shown important policy implication. The higher variability in agricultural production has tendency to greater variability in the earnings of the rural poor who have been experiencing severe financial and credit constraints. Suitable policies are needed to be installed to mitigate climate impacts on agriculture sector to the highest extent.