Farming Systems Design 2007 - International Environmental ...

Farming Systems Design 2007
Field-farm scale design and improvement
1). The percent consumption of vegetables and fruits were 45 and 42% of production only. The
supply of nutrients from fruits and vegetables of the tested model surplus the need for most of the
wanting essential nutrients like Vitamin A, C, calcium and iron-previously deficient in the diet. An
Ample amount of Vitamin B1, B2, protein and energy were also obtained from the supplied food of
the model (Table 2).
Table 1. Av. yield of vegetable, fruits, gross return, disposal pattern and cash income of integrated model.
Yield family -1 Return Disposal of the produce family -1 (kg)
Crops
(kg) family -1
(kg)
Consumption Distribution Sale Cash income
(Tk.)
Vegetables 746 2,832 337 (45%) 105 (15%) 304 (41%) 1,143
Mean family -1 day -1 2.04 8 0.92 0.29 0.83 3.13
Fruits 810 8,664 334 (42%) 238 (29%) 238 (29%) 1,979
Mean family -1 day -1 2.22 24 0.92 0.80 0.65 5.42
Grand total (Veg. + Fruits) 1,556 11,496 671(43%) 343(22%) 542(35%) 3,122
G. Mean family -1 day -1 4.26 (710 g) 31.5 1.84 0.94 1.48 8.55
Total cost for the model(Tk.) - 350 - - - -
Benefit cost ratio - 32.85 - - - -
Table 2. Average yield of vegetables, fruits and nutrient contents of integrated model.
Yield
Content of nutrients
Crops
Carotene Vit.C Vit.B-1 Vit.B-2 Calcium Iron Energy Protein
(kg) (μgm) (μgm) (μgm) (μgm) (μgm) (μgm) (kcal) (gm)
Vegetables 746 14,959 320,298 1306 655 1409,927 113,322 767,412 16,861
Mean family -1 day -1 2.04 41 878 4 2 3,863 310 2,102 46
Fruits 810 29,597 187,588 404.9 318 82,117 21,864 397,511 6,164
Mean family -1 day -1 2.22 81 514 1.11 0.87 225 60 1,089 16.89
Total from both resources 4,026 122 1,392 5.11 2.87 4,088 370 3,191 6.89
Daily needs family -1 * 1.5 10 260 7.0 6.3 3,000 145 14,100 284
% of requirement supplied 284 1,220 535 73 46 136 255 23 22
*Estimated from data provided by Haque (1985) for 6 members family
Income generation and poverty reduction
The average gross return was obtained Tk. 11496 per family from the model with a very little cash
investment (Tk. 350 year -1 , 1 US$ = Taka 68). The average BCR on cash cost basis was over
32.85. This cash is generating round the year enabling the poor cooperators to meet up immediate
family needs like purchase of edible oil, lighting fuel (kerosene), pulse, salt and spices despite
borrow money with high interest from land lord. Opportunity created for employment of underused
women and children labors in the homestead activities. Sufficient amount of nutrients supplying
from the food of the model, which is helped in crossing poverty level (23% energy, Table 2).
Empowerment of women and gender equity
The women members were actively participated in the program and involved in majority of the
gardening activities, earned 24% of family income, and participated in different group activities,
trainings and field days. Even 40% women alone made decision in different activities (data not
shown). This empowerment enabled women in attaining gender equity and increase prestige in the
family as well as in the society.
Conclusions
The vegetable production model of Pabna is a holistic and intensive system produced highest
nutrients and vegetable compared to any such model tested for far in the country. It is based on
traditional and natural systems, which is easily transferable in most of the under developed
countries. Only change of crop species and varieties may be required to fit in the model.
References
Akhtar et al., Existing homestead production and utilization systems. Annual report 2000. OFRD, BARI,
ARS, Pabna. Pp. 7-18.
BARC, Farming Systems Agribusiness Newsletter. 1990. Vol.1 (2). Bangladesh Agril. Res. Council, Dhaka.
Islam et al., Homestead vegetable production. A means of household food security and nutrition for marginal
farmers in northwest Bangladesh. 1996. Symposium proceedings. 14 th International Symposium on
Sustainable Farming Systems, 11-16 Nov.,1996, Colombo, Srilanka, pp. Twi/81-89.
Mahmud, S.A., Introductory: Cultivation and nutritional identity of fruits and vegetables.1985. Dept. of
Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka.
Rashid, M.M., Shobji bijyan. Second edition. 1999. Rashid Publishing House. 98, DOHS, Dhaka. pp.43-51.
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