Prospect of profitability and socio-technological status of banana production in Rajshahi region in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study seeks to evaluate the socio-technological conditions of banana growers and to document the technologies adopted in banana production in Puthia and Charghat Upazila in Rajshahi. For primary data collection, a survey was conducted among 53 banana producers. To fulfill the study's aims, descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis were applied as analytical tools. The study reveals that both education and total input cost affect on total income; Total input has a strong positive correlation with total input cost (r=0.719), while the correlation with education is weak (r=0.178). A significant majority of farmers cultivate the Anupom variety (18.86%) and face issues with the banana fruit and scarring beetle (60.38%), alongside major problems like high fertilizer prices (86.79%). Most farmers primarily use irrigation (75.47%) for soil management, yet a large percentage are unaware of digital ICT tools (79.25%) and few use improved technology. Governmental support is virtually non-existent, with only 1.87% of respondents receiving assistance, and the Fisher–Freeman–Halton Exact Test found no statistical link between training and profitability (p=1.00). Consequently, the most desired support from the government is a reduction in prices (75.47%), followed by the availability of seedlings, weather-resistant varieties, and financial aid. The study's outcomes lead to the following recommended policies and actions are useful for improving banana production and achieving the SDG’s goal, including making HYV suckers more accessible, improving extension services and transportation, promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and integrated pest management and Strengthening extension support and promoting ICT-based training could enhance productivity and sustainability.