Improving Farmers' Income and Soil Environmental Quality through Conservation Agriculture Practice in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was accomplished for assessing conservation agriculture practice's impact on farmers' income and soil environmental quality in Bangladesh. Majority of the farmers were within the late majority group in terms of adopting this farming practice. Average annual agricultural income of focal farmers was increased at a higher rate compared to proximal and control farmers after adopting this practice. Most of the focal and proximal farmers stated about improved soil environmental condition where majority of control farmers stated about constant soil environmental condition in this regard. Minimum tillage operation, permanent organic soil cover and application of compost and vermicompost were found significant factors under conservation agriculture affecting soil environmental quality. The problems faced by the farmers included high price of inputs, lack of institutional credit, lack of knowledge about conservation agriculture, etc. Input support, incentive, training programmes and extension services should be well executed by different government and non-government organizations for building consciousness and enhance the knowledge of the farmers on conservation agriculture practice.