PROFITABILITY OF SUGARCANE CULTIVATION IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF GAIBANDHA DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to describe the selected socio-economic characteristics of the sugarcane farmers; to measure the profitability of sugarcane production in the study area; to examine the productivity of different inputs used in sugarcane production and to identify the constraints in sugar production and develop the policy initiatives for increasing its production. The study was conducted in four villages of Palashbari union under Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district. Data were collected by using interview schedule from the randomly selected 60 respondents during 5th August to 29th August, 2019. After analyzing the data, total cost of production was Tk. 113976.5. Per hectare gross return was Tk. 176228.5. Per hectare gross margin was Tk. 78924.5. Net return was calculated by deducting gross cost from gross return and these was Tk. 62252. Benefit cost ratio was 1.55. From Cobb Douglas production function analysis, it was observed that the coefficients of human labor, urea, TSP and irrigation were significant at different level of probability sugarcane production and the coefficients of organic fertilizer was negatively significant while the coefficients of gypsum and pesticide was negative and insignificant for sugarcane production. The findings revealed that lack of adequate crusher machine was most severe problem followed by low price of sugarcane and Political disorder was last obstacle of sugarcane production in the study area.