EFFICIENCY OF CAULIFLOWER CULTIVATION IN A SELECTED AREA OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Cauliflower, a pivotal winter crop, is cultivated widely in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess the socioeconomic characteristics and to explore the farmers’ efficiency of cauliflower production in Gazipur district of Bangladesh by applying the stochastic production frontier approach. Primary data were collected through a field survey of 60 cauliflower farmers from January to March 2023, using a semi-structured interview schedule. The major findings of this study revealed that 95% of the respondents were aged between 30 and 64 years; 48.33% of households had a small family size; and 86.67% of the respondents’ primary occupation was agriculture. Cauliflower production was profitable. Per hectare total cost, total return, gross margin, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were Tk. 286112, 386250, 138218, 100138, and 1.35, respectively. The mean farmer's technical efficiency was 90%, which implies that the household cultivating the cauliflower can increase revenue by 10% at a given level of resources. Cauliflower farmers complained of a lack of quality seed, the high price of quality seed, natural calamities, and attacks of pests and diseases. Cauliflower is one of the important vegetable crops grown by farmers, mainly to generate household income. The study area has tremendous potential for cauliflower production.