Table of Contents

Glossary ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.0 The teesta and the river system .................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Hydrometeorology of teesta river ............................................................................................... 12
2.2 Existing and proposed hydrological structures in the basin ......................................................... 12
3.0 Water resources ......................................................................................................................... 16
3.1 Rivers, khals, channels and other water bodies ........................................................................... 16
3.2 Requirement of minimum flow .................................................................................................. 16
3.3 Ground water availability........................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Status of water balance in the tbr................................................................................................ 17
3.5 Drainage system ........................................................................................................................ 18
4.0 Land, soil and climate ................................................................................................................ 20
4.1 Agro-ecological zones ............................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Charlands .................................................................................................................................. 23
4.3 Climatic condition of the region ................................................................................................. 24
5. Socio-economic setting of the region ........................................................................................... 25
5.1 Demographic characteristics of the region .................................................................................. 26
5.2 Incidence of poverty .................................................................................................................. 26
5.3 Land ownership pattern.............................................................................................................. 27
5.4 Food security status ................................................................................................................... 29
6. Agricultural practices in the region .............................................................................................. 31
6.1 Land utilization patterns ............................................................................................................ 31
6.2 Crop agriculture ......................................................................................................................... 32
6.3 Fisheries .................................................................................................................................... 44
6.4 Livestock ................................................................................................................................... 46
6.5 Marketing system and value chains ............................................................................................ 51
7.0 Challenges confronting agriculture............................................................................................. 57
7.1 Crop agriculture ......................................................................................................................... 57
7.2. Fisheries ................................................................................................................................... 61
7.3 Irrigation and water management ............................................................................................... 63
7.4 Livestock ................................................................................................................................... 65
7.5 Agricultural marketing and value chains ................................................................................... 67
8.1 Crop .......................................................................................................................................... 70
8.2 Fisheries development options .................................................................................................. 93
8.3 Livestock development options .................................................................................................. 95
8.4 Marketing and value chains: potentials and development options ............................................. 101
9. The strategic plan implementing steps ........................................................................................ 109
9.1 Institution-building .................................................................................................................. 109
9.2 formation of inter-agency technical committee ......................................................................... 109
9.3 Reorienting service providing mechanism ................................................................................ 109
9.4 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 110
Appendices........................................................................................................................................ 3

List of Tables
Table 3.1 Sources of irrigation, by farm size .................................................................................... 16
Table 3.2 Regional Estimates of Annual Groundwater Recharge ...................................................... 18

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Table 4.1 Area Under Different AEZs (ha) ...................................................................................... 21
Table 4.2 Land Resources of the Teesta Region ............................................................................... 22
Table 4.3 Soil Resources of the Teesta Region (-000- ha) ................................................................ 23
Table 4.4 Char lands in the Teesta River Basin ................................................................................ 23
Table 5.1 Area, upazila, union, villages and municipality under the Teesta Region........................... 25
Table 5.2 Characteristics of survey households by farm size ............................................................ 25
Table 5.3 Population in Teesta Region ............................................................................................. 26
Table 5.4 Division-wise incidence of poverty (HCR) by CBN Method (%) ...................................... 27
Table 5.5 Operated land size in the Teesta Basin Region.................................................................. 28
Table 5.6 Distribution of Households by Farm Type in the Teesta River Basin ................................ 28
Table 5.7 Number of Plots of the Respondent Sample Farms ........................................................... 28
Table 5.8 Land Tenure of the Respondent Sample Farms (%) .......................................................... 29
Table 6.1 Land Utilization Pattern by District (ha) ........................................................................... 31
Table 6.2 Percent of Total Cultivable Area Shared by Different Crops by District in TBR ............... 32
Table 6.3 Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Farm Size ......................................... 33
Table 6.4 Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Teesta, Non-Teesta and Char ............ 34
Table 6.5 Crop Production in Teesta Compared to Nation (%) ......................................................... 34
Table 6.6 Distribution of Area under Major Crops In TBR ............................................................... 35
Table 6.7 Tuber and Root Crops Area and Production in TBR ......................................................... 36
Table 6.8 Areas and Production of Jute in the Teesta Basin Region .................................................. 36
Table 6.9 Area and Production of Vegetables in TBR ...................................................................... 37
Table 6.10 Pulse Crops in Teesta Basin ........................................................................................... 38
Table 6.11 Present Status of Oil Crops Cultivation in Teesta Basin .................................................. 38
Table 6.12 Spices in Teesta Region ................................................................................................. 39
Table 6.13 Tobacco in Teesta Basin................................................................................................. 40
Table 6.14 Present Cropping Patterns in the Teesta Region .............................................................. 41
Table 6.15 Status of Mechanization in Crop Agriculture .................................................................. 42
Table 6.16 Area Irrigated by different Means (ha) ............................................................................ 43
Table 6.17 Water Resources in the TBR (Area in ha) ....................................................................... 45
Table 6.18 Sector-wise Fish Production in Inland Water Bodies ...................................................... 45
Table 6.19 Livestock Population in the TBR (2015) (A) .................................................................. 46
Table 6.20 Livestock and Poultry Concentration by District ............................................................. 47
Table 6.21 General Characteristics of Small Scale Dairy Farm......................................................... 48
Table 6.22 Profitability of Dairy Cow Rearing Under Small-scale Dairy Farming Condition ............ 49
Table 6.24 Crop produced (kg/farm) by the sample households in 2015 in Teesta Basin Region....... 52
Table 6.25 Marketed surplus rates (percent) of crops of the respondent households: direct (sold) ..... 52
Table 6.26 Marketed Surplus of Crops in TBR and Bangladesh in 2011-12...................................... 52
Table 6.27 Marketed Surplus Rates (Percent) of the Respondent Households Services ..................... 53
Table 6.28 Household Level Paddy Stockholding Capacity, 2008-2014 ........................................... 53
Table 6.29 Incidence of sales within one month of harvest (% of total sales) .................................... 54
Table 6.30 Financial and economic profitability, and DRC of modern variety rice and non-rice ....... 55
Table 6.31 Status of Agro-commodity Markets Developed by DAM in the Region .......................... 56
Table 7.1 : Soil Fertility Status of Teesta Basin Region ................................................................... 58
Table 7.2: Plant Nutrient Applied during 2011 in Teesta Region ..................................................... 58
Table 7.3: Postharvest Losses of Major Crops.................................................................................. 59
Table 7.4 Loss of Fish Habitat and Production in TBR..................................................................... 62
Table 7.5 Fish Species Endangered in TBR ..................................................................................... 62
Table 8.1 Ranking of High Value Crops Suitable for growing in the Teesta Basin Region................ 73
Table 8.2 Agro-ecological Suitability of Potential HVCs ................................................................. 74
Table 8.3 Irrigation Requirement of Major Crops Grown in Teesta Region ...................................... 76
Table 8.4 Low Water Consuming Cropping Pattern for Teesta Region ............................................. 77
Table 8.5 Suggested Improved Cropping Pattern for Teesta Basin.................................................... 78
Table 8.6 Selected Improved Cropping Pattern for Teesta Basin ...................................................... 79
Table 8.7 Projected Area and Production of Jute .............................................................................. 82
Table 8.8 Present Situation of Fruit Cultivation in the Teesta Basin ................................................. 85

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Table 8.9 Fruit trees in the homestead area ...................................................................................... 86
Table 8.10 List of quick growing fruits ............................................................................................ 87
Table 8.11 Distribution of cold storage plants ................................................................................ 104
Table 8.12 Cold storage plants and quantity stored according to sources of potato.......................... 104

List of Figures
Figure 2.1 The Trans-boundary River Teesta ................................................................................... 11
Figure 2.2 Teesta Barrage at Dalia, Bangladesh .............................................................................. 14
Figure 3.1 Ground Water Resources in Bangladesh.......................................................................... 17
Figure 3.2 Water Recession Teesta Basin......................................................................................... 19
Figure 3.3 Drainage in Teesta Basin ................................................................................................ 19
Figure 4.1 Teesta Basin Region ....................................................................................................... 21
Figure 4.2 Teesta River and its Adjoining Flood Plains .................................................................... 21
Figure 4.3 Land Type of Teesta Basin .............................................................................................. 22
Figure 4.4 Char Land of Teesta River Basin..................................................................................... 23
Figure 4.5 Trend of Annual Rainfall in TBR over the Last 20 Years ................................................ 24
Figure 5.1 Trend of Population Increase by District ......................................................................... 26
Figure 5.2 Percentage of people living on less than PPP $1.25/day................................................... 30
Figure 5.3 Monthly per Capita Consumption Expenditures .............................................................. 30
Figure 6.1 Area Irrigated by TBP over the Last 20 Years ................................................................. 43
Figure 6.2 Irrigation Coverage in TBR by Modes ............................................................................ 44
Figure 6.3 Sector-wise fish production in 2013-14 ........................................................................... 46
Figure 7.1 Trend of Fish Production during the Last Three Decades................................................. 63
Figure 8.1 Yield Gaps in Field Crops ............................................................................................... 71
Figure 8.2 Yield Gaps in Vegetables ................................................................................................ 72
Figure 8.3 Yield Gaps in Spices ....................................................................................................... 72
Figure 8.4 Profitability of Major Crops Grown in TBR .................................................................... 74
Figure 8.5 Profitability of Vegetables Cultivation ............................................................................ 75
Figure 8.6 Profitability of Fruits Cultivation .................................................................................... 75
Figure 8.7 Profitability of Different Cropping Pattern ...................................................................... 79
Figure 8.8 Intercropping mango in rice ............................................................................................ 80
Figure 8.9 Increasing Trend in Potato Production in Bangladesh .................................................... 102
Figure 8.10 Trend in Potato Export of Bangladesh (Thousand MT) ................................................ 102
Figure 9.1 Improvised Mechanisms for Service Provision in the TBR ............................................ 110

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 GLOSSARY

Agricultural land : Land on which agricultural activities can take place.

Agricultural land : The biophysical ability of land to remain stable under particular
capability land uses. The land capability classification denotes management
practices needed to protect the land from soil erosion and other
forms of land degradation.
Agricultural land : An assessment of a site’s potential for sustainable agricultural
suitability production based on the biophysical capability of the land, and
economic and social factors.
Agricultural extension : Advisory, educational and promotional activities used to facilitate
adoption of improved agricultural practices.
Agriculture : The management of biophysical resources for food, fibre and
ornamental outputs and the distribution and utilization of these
outputs for economic and social benefits.
Best Management : A holistic approach for farm management and operation practices
Practices that prevent or minimize environmental impacts and optimize
economic production. BMPs are generally promoted by means of
guidelines or codes of practice.
Community : Consists of those people, groups and organizations that have a
stake in the economic, social and environmental outcomes of
agricultural activities.
Equity : The fairness in terms of access to, and use of natural resources, and
fairness in sharing both the costs and benefits of resource use, for
present and future generations.
Ecologically : Development that improves the total quality of life, both now and
Sustainable in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on
Development (ESD) which life depends.
Extensive agriculture : Agricultural production in which relatively small amounts of
capital and labour are invested per hectare.
Intensive agriculture : Agricultural production in which comparatively large amounts of
capital and labour are invested per hectare, e.g., mushroom
growing, meat chicken production and nurseries.
Sustainability : The ability to ensure a maintenance and continuance of social,
economic and environmental benefits.
Aus : A rice crop coinciding with late dry and early monsoon season.

Barind : Undulating upland with red/yellow clay soils of Northwest

Bangladesh.
Boro : Dry season rice grown from December-April.
Zuzubi : Zizipusmauritana fruit tree commonly known as Ber.
Kharif-I : Season typically from March-June.
Kharif- II : Season typically from July-February.
Pre-kharif : A season before kharif II typically March-June.
Rabi : Dry season, typically from November-February.

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T.aman : Transplanted aman rice typically from July-October.
T.aus : Transplanted aus rice, typically grown from March-June/July
Upazila : Sub-district.

5
 ACRONYMS

AEZ : Agro-ecological Zone

DOC Day Old Chicks
BADC : Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation
BARC : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
BARI : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute
BBS : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BCIC : Bangladesh Chemical Industrial Corporation
BIHS : Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey
BL : Bottom Land
BMDA : Barind Multipurpose Development Authority
BRRI : Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
BSTI : Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution
BWDB : Bangladesh Water Development Board
CDIL : Central Disease Investigation Laboratory
CBO Community Based Organization
DAE : Department of Agricultural Extension
DAM : Department of Agricultural Marketing
DRR : Disaster Risk Reduction
DTW : Deep Tube Well
DVH : District Veterinary Hospitals
FTF : Feed the Future
GAP : Good agricultural practices
GRP : Gross regional product
GWP : Global Water Partnership
HACCP : Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
Ha : Hectare
HCR : Head Count Ratio
HEIS : Household Expenditure Survey
HL : High Land
HYV : High Yielding Variety
IASTBR : Integrated Agricultural Strategy for the Teesta Basin Region
IPM : Integrated Pest Management
IRWR : Internal Renewable Water Resources
IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management
KG Kilograms
KSF : Kazi Shahed Foundation
LGED : Local Government Engineering Department
LGIs : Local Government Institutions
LL : Low Land
LLP : Low Lift Pump
MHL : Medium High Land
MLL : Medium Low Land
MoA : Ministry of Agriculture
MoFL : Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
MV : Modern Variety

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NGO : Non-Government Organization
NRWR : Natural Renewable Water Resources
PHM : Post Harvest Management Practices
PKSF : Palli Karma-Shayak Foundation
PPP : Public-Private Partnership
QS : Quality Seed
RFDIL : Regional Field Diseases Investigation Laboratories
RAKUB : Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
RD : Rangpur Dairy
RDP : Rural Development Program
Sq.km : Square Kilometer
STW : Shallow Tube Well
TBR : Teesta Basin Region
TIP : Thana Irrigation Program
VLL : Very Low Land
WEE : Women's Economic Empowerment
WUA : Water Users Association
WUF : Water Users Federation
WUG : Water Users Group

7
 1 .0 INTRODUCTION

Teesta, the fourth largest trans-boundary river in Bangladesh, flowing through five northern districts -
Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Rangpur– is the lifeline of the people living in
5,427 villages under 35 upazilas stretched over 9,667 km2 around Teesta and its associated rivers and
rivulets termed as Teesta Basin Region (TBR). The river Teesta originating as Chhombochhu from a
glacial lake in the northwest Indian state, Sikkim, after traversing through Sikkim and West Bengal
enters into Bangladesh at Dimla upazila of Nilphamari district.

The TBR a big region located on the right bank of the north-south flowing Brahmaputra in the east
and elongated outlier floodplain of the ancient Teesta extends up to Sherpur upazila of Bogra district
in the south. The said basin is criss-crossed by more than 20 rivers, carrying silts to build up its fertile
soil. It covers nearly 14 percent of the total cultivated land of the country and provides livelihood
opportunities of approximately 9.2 million people. The region is poverty-stricken where majority of
the people are hardcore poor and live below the poverty line. The poor farmers, 88 percent of the total
households on average have only 0.02 to 1.0 ha of land and dominate the rural population.
The region is blessed with dominance of high and medium highland (>70 percent with silt to silty clay
loam soil), relatively longer rabi season with abundance of clear sunshine hours. Major crops grown
are rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, oil crops, spices, tobacco, jute, fruits and vegetables. About 70
percent vegetables are produced at a marketable surplus in winter season. Crop production in the
region has increased with an average annual growth rate of 2.8 percent. Fish culture in small ponds,
dishes and in the rice fields has become important economic activity of the region. Livestock sub-
sector composed of cow, buffalo, goat, sheep and poultry rearing is an alternative livelihood for poor
people and contributing to regional nutritional demand. Poultry and duck farming are growing at an
appreciable rate.

The river Teesta and other associated rivers are the vital source of water and play a significant role in
crop production, livestock rearing, fisheries and household activities of the people. Water scarcity
inducing poverty of the region is not only a natural problem but also manmade phenomena.
According to IPCC, annual rainfall trend over the Teesta catchment is reducing in dry season due to f
global and regional climate change. Various development activities, like construction of Barrages,
transportation network, flood embankments, anti-erosion works, and bridges, etc. reduce the river
stability and river morphology. Further, alteration of land use, such as deforestation, intensive crop
production, infrastructure building activities and urbanisation are the accompaniment of those.

The situation has been aggravated by unilateral withdrawal of water from Teesta along with other 24
trans-boundary rivers during dry months (7-8 months) by co-riparian India through construction of
dams, embankments, made the region severely drought stressed in dry period and sudden release of
excessive water in rainy season causes floods and river bank erosion heading to serious sufferings of
the people. After the year of 1994 conspicuous decrease of water flow in the river Teesta was noticed
and this gradual reduction became worst in the year 2010. Lower water flow condition leads to
gradual deaths of the rivers intersected the region by sand deposition and riverbed siltation. As result
of low rainfall, groundwater recharge is deteriorating and the at same time ground water extraction for
irrigation abruptly increased during the recent couple of decades.

To ensure the flow of mighty Teesta River, Government of Bangladesh start constructing Teesta
Barrage at Hatibandha of Lalmonirhat district in 1979 and started operating in 1993-94. In true sense

8
the Dalia Barrage in Bangladesh became non-functional due to exclusive control of Teesta’s water in
the dry season by India through Gazaldoba Barrage. Whatever little water comes to Bangladesh is
being diverted by the BWDB to the irrigation canals of Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project, depriving
the people living alongside its banks at downstream and compounding the situation. The region is also
suffering from flashfloods due to sudden upstream release of water, which cause substantial damage
to households and agriculture including livestock, fisheries and agroforestry.

Due to the high environmental vulnerability and manmade obstacles, farming systems (production of
crops, fishery, poultry, livestock and homestead forest) the area is facing serious risks and threats. The
challenges confronting the area are complex, interrelated and need interventions at different scales. It
is prerequisite to develop climate resilient farming practices and livelihood adaption options. In this
context, there is an urgent need to harness surface water potential of the region to grow more crops
and to increase productivity with the use of less water. Also there is need of developing efficient on-
farm water management practices.

With this backdrop, the Government of Bangladesh has decided to prepare an Integrated Agricultural
Strategic Plan for the TBR (IASTBR) for sustainable transformation of agriculture into a vibrant and
productive economic sector towards economic growth, social well being, food security and poverty
alleviation. The MoA, GoB requested IFPRI to prepare the said plan and the later appointed CASEED
for the purpose.

The specific objectives of IASTBR are:

 Improve integrated farming system to enhance productivity of the region;
 Promote agricultural transformation depending on low water consuming practices and
emphasizing on production of high value crops for improving household income;
 Revitalize fisheries and livestock conservation and production with improved management
practices; and
 Foster marketing management and value chain development for reducing postharvest losses
and improving quality of produces both for domestic and international markets.

Approaches and Methodology

For preparing the IASTBR a study was conducted in collaboration with APSU, MoA and IFPRI. The
study was conducted in such a way that stakeholders’ attention get the primary concern so as to ensure
that there would be a collective ownership of the agreed objectives and targets. For the purpose a
study team was formed comprising of multidisciplinary expert.

Study Team
Name Academic Area of Expertise Position in the Team
Qualification
Prof. Zahurul PhD Policy Research, Team Leader and
Karim Development Studies Consultant -Livestock
Prof. S.M Fakhrul PhD in Agricultural Marketing and Value Consultant - Marketing
Islam Economics Chain Development and Value Chain
Mia Abdur Rashid M.S (Hort.) High Value Crop Consultant- Crop
Production and Agriculture
Postharvest Management
Kazi Mozammel B,Sc. Agril. Irrigation and Water Consultant-Irrigation and

9
 Haque Engineering Management Water Water Management
Management and
Irrigation
Md. Anowarul M.S (Fisheries) Fishery and Aquaculture Consultant- Fisheries
Haque

Methods and techniques used to conduct the study are:

• Review of relevant policy and planning documents;

• Collection and reviewing of reports from BBS, DAE, MOA, MoF &LS, etc. and various on-
line resources;
• Sample household survey;
• Focus group discussions
• Purposive visits to the basin areas and informal discussions with various stakeholders;
• Consultation workshops with senior officials of head quarter of BWDB, DAE, DoF, DLS,
BARC,BRRI, BARI, BJRI;
• Discussion meetings with field officials of Teesta Barrage Authority, DAE, DOF, DLS
BARC, BRRI, BARI, BJRI and SRDI;
• Rivers and char land map have been digitized using remote sensing and GIS;
• Data analysis and synthesis of information;
• Report preparation and presentation for validation.

For Cartographic support, Pearl Consultant Ltd. was assigned by CASED. IFPRI conducted
household survey through appointing a separate firm. APSU, MoA conducted the FGDs for
qualitative data collection.

Detailed methodology was developed after several joint consultations with BWDB, DAE, BADC,
DLS, DoF and NARS institutes. The methodology was shared with IFPRI, APSU/MoA and was later
tested in the field for final adoption.

10
 2 .0 THE TEESTA AND THE RIVER SYSTEM

The Teesta River is the lifeline of the people living in the vast area in five northwestern districts of
Bangladesh. It originates as as Chhombochhu from a glacial lake, Khangchungchhu in the
northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. The glacial lake is located at the tip of the Teestakhanga glacier,
which descends from Pauthunri peak. The Chhombochhu, the headstream of the Teesta, flows
eastwards, joining the Zemuchhu to become the Lachenchhu. At Chungthang, the Lachenchhu is joint
by the Lachungchhu to become Teesta.

Figure 2.1 The Trans-boundary River Teesta

Source: Political Economy Analysis of the Teesta River basin, Asia
Foundation, 2013

The Teesta drains nearly 95 percent of the Mountainous state of Sikkim, throughout its course the
river is turbulent flowing with high velocity (Fig. 2.1). As it travels towards the plains, the Teesta is
joined by a number of tributaries, including the Lachungchhu, the Dikchhu, the ChakungChhu, the
Ranikhola, and the Rangpo on the left bank, and the Zemu, the Rangyong, the Rongli, and the Rangit
on the right bank.

In the sub Himalayan plains, the Teesta is joined by tributaries such as the Leesh, the Geesh, the Chel,
the Neora and the Kerala. From Melli Bazar in downstream Sikkim, the river leaves the hills and
enters the plains of West Bengal at Sevoke near Siliguri. In West Bengal the Teesta covers 3,225 sq
km across the districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

The River Teesta enters Bangladesh in Dimla upazila of Nilphamari district. The River Teesta is the
fourth largest trans boundary river in Bangladesh flowing through the five northern districts of
Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, anRangpur, comprising 9,667 sq km, 35 upazilas and
5,427 villages with an estimated population of 9.2 million (BBS, 2011).

The River Teesta traverses 151 km in Sikkim, 142 km along the Sikkim West Bengal boundary and
through West Bengal, and 121 km in Bangladesh. After travelling a distance of approximately 414 km
through India and Bangladesh, the river Teesta merges with the river Brahmaputra (Jamuna) at an
elevation of 23 m at Teestamukhghat (Kamarjani, Bahadurabad) in Gaibandha District of Bangladesh.

11
The trans-boundary basin of the Teesta River encompasses about 12,159 sq km, of which 10,155 sq.
km are in India and 2,004 sq. km are in Bangladesh. Approximately 8,051 sq km of the river basin lay
in hilly parts of Sikkim (6,930 sq. km) and West Bengal (1,121 sq.km). Approximately 4,108 sq. km
of the basin lie in the plains of West Bengal (2,104 sq. km) and Bangladesh (2,004 sq. km).
Historically, the river Teesta was part of the Ganges river system, flowing south from Jalpaiguri of
West Bengal in three separate channels, the Karatoya, the Purnabhaba, and the Atrai. It is speculated
that these three channels led to the name “Trisrota” (three streams) and subsequently to “Teesta.”
Following a flood in 1787, the Teesta changed its course southeast to join the River Brahmaputra.

2.1 Hydrometeorology of Teesta River

The Teesta is a perennial rain and snow fed river. A number of glaciers and glacial lakes in the upper
reaches of the basin in Sikkim supply the headwaters of the Teesta. The largest glacier in the basin is
the Zemu glacier, covering an area of 107.3 sq km, and the largest glacial lake is the Changchun
Chho, with coverage of approximately 1.6 sq. km. It is estimated that there are over 300 glacial lakes
dotting the Teesta Basin in the Sikkim Himalayas. In addition to glacial melt water, the Teesta is also
fed by a number of tributaries as it journeys towards the plains (Fig. 2.1). The tributaries of the Teesta
are considered “flashy” mountain rivers that travel at high velocities with large quantities of debris
and sediments. The upper catchment of the Teesta Basin in Sikkim is prone to sudden variations in
rainfall and temperature due to the high altitude and mountainous topography.

The average annual rainfall in Sikkim is 2,534 mm, with the maximum rainfall occurring in the month
of July and the minimum in December. The climate in the basin ranges from extremely cold and
alpine conditions in the north to humid and sub-tropical conditions in the south, west, and east. The
Sikkim region has been declared a global biodiversity hotspot, with a rich variety of endemic flora
and fauna. An estimated 4,000 varieties of flowering plants and a number of endangered species such
as the Red Panda, Himalayan Marmot, and Marbled Cat are found in the region. Notably, the Sikkim
region is geologically fragile and prone to frequent powerful earthquakes and landslides.

In recent years, Sikkim has experienced a number of sudden and devastating glacial lake outburst
floods (GLOFs). Several potentially dangerous small and medium sized glacial lakes have been
identified in the upper catchment of the Sikkim Region. These lakes are evidence of increasing glacial
melt and retreat in the upper reaches of the basin due to climate change. It is predicted that the
Himalayan river catchments will experience more extreme weather events such as cloudbursts and
heavy rainfall, increasing the intensity of soil erosion, landslides, and flash floods. The general pattern
of hydrological impact of climate change in the Brahmaputra River Basin can be extrapolated to the
Teesta to predict a future in which accelerated melting of the glaciers feeding the rivers will lead
initially to more frequent and intense flooding, but subsequently, as the glaciers retreat ever further, to
decrease sand eventually drastic reductions in the Teesta’s flow.

2.2 Existing and Proposed Hydrological Structures in the Basin

In India, the most significant development activity on the Teesta is the construction of a series of
Cascade dams for hydroelectric power generation in the state of Sikkim. More than 30 major
hydropower projects have been planned on the river, with a planned capacity of over 5,000 megawatts
(MW) of electricity. The rapid construction of mega power projects in Sikkim and large parts of
India’s northeast comes in the wake of the liberalization of India’s power sector in 2003 and a
significant drive by the Indian government to meet the country’s energy needs through hydropower
generation. Some of the major hydropower projects in Sikkim include Teesta Stage II (330 MW),

12
Teesta Stage III (1200 MW), Teesta Stage IV (520 MW), Teesta Stage V (510 MW), Teesta Stage VI
(500MW), and Panan HEP (300 MW).

These projects are “run of the river” hydroelectric projects, and involve the construction of large dams
to divert river water through tunnels and a powerhouse before the river water is deposited
downstream. The large-scale construction of dams in the region has been controversial, with local
communities, civil society groups, academics, and environmentalists raising concerns about the
ecological, environmental, and socio-cultural impact of run of the river projects in the region. Groups
and communities in the state of West Bengal have also raised concerns about the downstream impacts
of these projects on agriculture, navigation, fishing, and other livelihoods.

2.2.1 Teesta Barrage Project

In West Bengal, the Teesta Barrage Project (TBP) is one of the largest irrigation projects in eastern
India, intended to irrigate 922,000 ha in six districts of north Bengal and provide 67.50 MW of
hydropower. The three phase project seeks to utilize Teesta River waters for “irrigation, hydropower
generation, navigation, and flood control” through a network of barrages and canals on the river. After
its initiation in 1976, only certain stages of the project have been completed to date, including
construction of the Teesta Barrage at Gazaldoba in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, and barrages on
the Mahananda and Dauk rivers. In addition to the ambitious TBP, NHPC Limited (formerly the
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is in the process of developing two “low dams” in
Darjeeling District of West Bengal — Teesta Low Dam III (132 MW) and Teesta Low Dam IV (160
MW).

The Government of India’s controversial Inter Linking of Rivers Project also involves utilization of
the Teesta River. Under the plan, water from India’s Himalayan and peninsular rivers would be
diverted through a series of inter basin canals (30 in total) and dams, to water scarce and drought
prone areas of Southern India. The project is intended to eventually irrigate 30 million ha and generate
2,000,025,000 MW of power. Many people from different segments of the societies in in both India
and Bangladesh have criticized the project arguing that it will increase flood intensity during summer
and reduce the availability of water in the dry season in Bangladesh.

. They have also argued that the project violates the 1996 Helsinki Rules on Water Resources and the
subsequent 2004 Berlin Rules on Water Resources governing equitable sharing of river waters
between co riparian’s. Furthermore, in February 2012, the Supreme Court of India ordered the setting
up of a special committee to expedite implementation of the project.

2.2.2 Teesta Barrage Construction in Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh undertook the construction of Teesta Barrage at Dalia, Lalmonirhat
for supplementary irrigation in T.aman rice in kharif-II season (Fig. 2.2). Operation and maintenance
of the TBP is being done by BWDB. The construction of the barrage across Teesta River was
commenced in 1979 at Duani in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district. The barrage is a 615
meter long concrete structure fitted with 44 radial gates having a discharge capacity of 12,750 cusec
of water. It is used to divert 283 cusec of water for irrigation through a canal taking off on the right
bank.

13
The construction of the barrage was completed in August 1990 with a 110 meter Canal Head
Regulator with 8 no’s gates to control flow of water into the irrigation canal. In addition, silt trap with
area of 45 ha to control entry of sediment in the canal, 610 meter long flood by-pass for release of
flood water in excess of the discharge capacity of the barrage, and a 2,470 meter long closure dam to
divert flow through the barrage were constructed. A flood embankment of about 80 km has also been
built to provide flood protection to the
adjoining areas. In fact, the Teesta Barrage
Project was designed to provide irrigation
water, flood protection and drainage facilities
for 749,000 ha of cultivable land.

The project was planned to be completed in

two phases. The construction of canal system
was initiated in 1984 under Phase-I and
completed in June 1998. The main
conveyance system completed under this
phase includes 33.67 km Main Canals, 74.43
km Major Secondary Canals, 214.70 km Fig. 2.2 Teesta Barrage at Dalia, Bangladesh
Secondary Canals, 387.65 km Tertiary
Source: BWDB, 2015
Canals, 1110 no’s Irrigation
Structure/Bridge/culvert, 120 no’s Drainage
Structure and 2,000 no’s Field outlets. Again, approximately 66 km of inspection road and 56 km of
project road were constructed under this phase. To build these infrastructures, 3,500 ha of land had to
be acquired. Phase-I has a command area of 154,250 ha with net irrigable area of 111,406 ha,
particularly as supplementary irrigation in the monsoon season. It is spread over 12 upazilas: (1)
Nilphamari, (2) Dimla, (3) Jaldhaka, (4) Kishorgonj, (5) Saidpur, (6) Rangpur, (7) Taragonj, (8)
Badargonj, (9) Gangachara, (10) Parbatipur, (11) ChirirBhandar, and (12) Khansama. Altogether,
1756 no’s Water Users Group, 62 no’s Water Users Association and 1 no Water Users Federation
were organized to facilitate irrigation in the command area under this phase.

The irrigation canals and water distribution network were developed in two phases. Apart from the
works implemented as above under Phase-I, the remaining works in the balance command area has
been planned to be developed under phase-II. The gross benefitted area of the project is 750,000 ha,
of which 540,000 ha may be irrigated. The project area spreads across seven districts in greater
Rangpur, Dinajpur and Bogra. Irrigation was first provided in 1993. At 1990 prices, the project cost
was BDT. 8574 million, making the development cost lower than other large national irrigation
projects – four times the size of the Ganges-Kobatak irrigation project, 12 times the size of the
Chandpur Project, and 40 times that of the Meghna-Dhonagodha Project.

The project is bounded by the Teesta River in the north, the Atrai river in the west, Shantahar-Bogra
railway line on the south and Bogra-Kaunia railway line on the east. The main objective of the project
is to increase agricultural production through supplementary irrigation and thereby create employment
opportunities.

A preliminary feasibility report of Teesta Project was prepared in 1960 by Haigh Zinn and Associates
in collaboration with Associating Consulting Engineer. The consultants proposed a barrage at
Goddimari to divert water into the canals for irrigation. Another report was prepared by Binnie and
partners between 1968 and 1970 in line with the provision of Water Master Plan 1964 – in which

14
large projects on flood control, irrigation and drainage were emphasized – to place the barrage at
Dalia. For about 10 years, it remained confined to investigation, studies and survey. In the meantime,
India constructed a barrage across the River Teesta at Gojaldoba under Jalpaighori district of West
Bengal which is about 100 km upstream of the proposed site in Bangladesh.

The project has claimed some sectoral benefits since its completion. But, inequitable withdrawal of
river water through upstream interventions outside Bangladesh creates tremendous dry season water
shortage. Despite the existence of numerous treaties and agreements, the lack of regional cooperation
and absence of local and sub-national perspectives continue to prevent sustainable development and
management of the river’s resources for livelihood improvement, poverty reduction and most
importantly food security. As a result, dry season irrigation for rabi crops is being drastically
hampered.

15
 3 .0 WATER RESOURCES

Rivers, a unique feature of the country, play an important role in the availability of water resources.
Bangladesh a deltaic plain of three great rivers, the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna and
formed by the sediment deposits of these rivers. These GBM as well as the Teesta formed a broad and
complex estuary. . Geographically, Bangladesh has been divided into eight hydrological regions; the
TBR is located in the northwest region. The Government of Bangladesh highly prioritizes the
development of water resources to attain food grain self-sufficiency for the country. River, channels
and ground water are the principal sources of irrigation water.

3.1 Rivers, Khals, Canals and Other Water Bodies

In the region there is an extensive network of river and their tributaries and distributaries (Appendix-4
Table 1).

An extensive network of rivers like the Teesta, Jamneshwari, Dudkumar, Ghaghat, Girai, Gidari,
Katakhali, Karottoa, Alai Kumari, along with various khals and other water bodies flow across the
Teesta Basin Area. Most of these are seasonal water bodies.

As such, the irrigation requirement of the area is largely met with groundwater (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1 Sources of irrigation, by farm size

% of farmers by farm size

Source Marginal Small Medium Large All
Rainfed 49.31 52.15 57.50 66.67 52.75
Surface water 4.17 5.38 7.50 0.00 4.75
Ground water 93.06 94.09 97.50 100.00 94.50
Canal irrigation 6.94 9.68 10.00 0.00 8.00
Source: Household Survey, 2015

3. 1.1 Water Availability in the River Teesta

According to the feasibility study in 1959, the barrage on the Teesta River was proposed to supply
255 m3/s of water to irrigate 749,000 ha (BWDB 1990). The barrage was designed with a discharge
capacity of 12,755 m3/s the highest average flow in the dry season recorded in 2000, which accounts
for 80 percent of February and seldom exceeds 160 m3/s. Due to withdrawal at the Indian barrage
upstream located at Gajaldoba, the water flow is reduced at the barrage point in Dalia, Hatibandha,
Lalmonirhat.

3.2 Requirement of Minimum Flow

There has been an alarming drop in the flow In the 37th meeting of the JRC in Delhi, in March
of the Teesta River from India into 2010, the Bangladesh Water Resources Minister
Bangladesh (Fig. 3.1). Due to the unilateral Ramesh Chandra Roy demanded 50-50 distribution of
the Teesta water at Gazaldoba point. In January 2011, at
withdrawal of water from Teesta through the secretary level meeting, Bangladesh demanded
construction of multi-purpose barrage and 8,000 cusec and India 21,000 cusec from the Teesta
dams by the upper riparian country, water waters. Together, the demands become 29,000 cusec
when the lowest flow in the river cannot be more than
availability in Bangladesh gradually reduced
10,000 cusec (Daily Star, March 20, 2014).

16
to 6,500 cusec in1997 and it drastically reduced to 250 cusec in 2015 against Bangladesh’s
requirements of 8,000 cusec (Daily Star, March 20, 2014). This decline is due to withdrawal of water in
India, specifically related to construction of dams in Sikkim and diversion of water to the upper
Mahanandha river. The diversion of water is undoubtedly aiding Indian agriculture by irrigating
nearly 100,000 ha during the winter/dry season, it is a crisis for the Teesta Irrigation Project in
Lalmonirhat.

Because of unilateral withdrawal of water by the upstream states of India, Bangladesh receives very
little water from Teesta during the lean period. Consequently, the River Teesta is almost dried up
during winter. As a result, dry season irrigation for rabi crops is drastically hampered, and crop
intensification in the region cannot be supported with surface
water irrigation.
Farmer’s Voice
Ulipur, Kurigram Bangladesh has long argued that India’s construction of the
Gazaldoba Barrage upstream of Dalia has significantly
“Though our field is near to
Teesta River but we don’t have reduced the availability of water in the dry season.
scope to get water for irrigation” Furthermore, the release of water during the monsoon season
causes flooding and bank erosion downstream. The
availability of water for irrigation, particularly in the lean or
dry season, has been at the crux of the longstanding dispute
between the two countries.

Since 1993, about 6500 ha were irrigated in kharif-I and second kharif-II. In kharif-II of 2001,
supplemental irrigated coverage was 57,626 ha. Full coverage of 111,406 ha could be achieved by
2003

3.3 Ground Water Availability

According to historical water flow

data, water resource experts argue that
Bangladesh’s share of ground water
should not fall below 4,500 Cusec to
ensure the sustainability of the river,
and preserve the biodiversity of
adjacent areas. To make change,
commitments and action plans must be
documented.

3.4 Status of Water Balance in the

TBR

The availability of ground water

depends on the following factors: (1)
properties of the ground water storage
reservoir (aquifer), (2) the volume of Figure 3.1 Ground Water Resources in Bangladesh
annual recharge, (3) capacity of the
country’s aquifers to store water, and Source: Minor Irrigation Survey of Bangladesh, 2014, BADC
(4) the characteristic that governs

17
economic withdrawal of that water for irrigation, domestic and industrial needs. The TBR has good
potential of groundwater resources (Fig. 3.1).

The sources of recharge are rainfall, flooding, and stream flow in rivers. The quaternary alluvium of
Bangladesh constitutes a huge aquifer with reasonably good transmission and storage properties.
Heavy rainfalls help the underground reservoir (aquifers) to be substantially recharged annually. The
Master Plan Organization (MPO, 1987) under National Water Plan of the Ministry of Water
Resources assessed region wise groundwater recharge in 1987. Subsequently, MPO updated the
groundwater resource assessments during the NWP Phase-II (MPO, 1991) and the available
groundwater recharge for the country was estimated 21,000 million m3 (Table 3.2).

Table 3.2 Regional Estimates of Annual Groundwater Recharge

Region Area (m.ha) Usable recharge (m.m3) Available recharge (m.m3)
Phase-I Phase-II Phase-I Phase-II
Northwest-NW 3,016 13400 12100 9480 9786
Northeast-NE 3,569 17800 23100 9615 9594
Southeast-SE 3,007 9000 9800 1538 1498
South Central-SC 1,426 3600 3500 1801 1249
Southwest-SW 2,562 3900 5600 1980 1961
Total 13,580 47700 54100 24414 21088
Source: National Water Plan (MPO, 1987 and 1991)

3.5 Drainage System

Like other irrigation projects, earlier canal systems are being used as drainage system in Teesta
Project also with provision of siphons at the junction of original canal and new irrigation canals
constructed under the project. The largest siphon was constructed in the junction of Buri Teesta River
and the main canal of Teesta Barrage Project about 6 km down the Barrage.

Water recession is favorable for early kharif cropping. 30 percent of the water recession is very early,
allow growing of two rabi crops (Fig. 3.2). More than 60 percent of the area is suitable for early rabi
crops because of quick recession of monsoon water. Less than 10 percent of the area has recession
problem, which implies that the area is not suitable for rabi crops. Land drainage condition of the
most of the area of the basin falls under the category of well-drained land (Fig. 3.3).

18
Figure 3.2 Water Recession Teesta Basin Figure 3.3 Drainage in Teesta Basin
Source: GIS Mapping by CASEED

19
 4 .0 LAND, SOIL AND CLIMATE

The Teesta flood plain covers nearly 14 percent of the total cultivated area in Bangladesh, and
provides livelihood opportunities to 7.3 percent of the population, or 9.2 million people, in the
districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari of Rangpur Division (Fig
4.1). The Teesta River and its adjoining flood plains are shown in Fig. 4.2.

4.1 Agro-ecological zones

Five agro-ecological zones (AEZs), cover the region. The region is exclusively covered by Active
Teesta Floodplain (15 percent), and Teesta Meander Floodplain (67 percent). Other AEZs are Level
Barind & Northeastern Barind Tract (>16 percent), and Active Brahmaputra-Jamuna Floodplain (2
percent). The floodplain dominating Teesta basin region, represents the nearly 14 percent of the total
cultivated area of the country. The basin region is almost exclusively covered by the Active Teesta
floodplain (15 percent) and Teesta Meander Floodplain (67 percent), and a small part of Gaibandha
and Rangpur districts include Level Barind Tract (16 percent) North Eastern Barind Tract and Active
Brahmaputra-Jamuna Floodplain. The Teesta Floodplain region has irregular patterns of grey
stratified sands, soils, and silts. Among four soil types of Teesta Floodplain egion, non-calcareous
alluvium soil is the most prevalent. Organic matter content is low and CEC is medium. Soil fertility
level, in general, including Mg and B status is low to medium. In Teesta Meander Floodplain, areas
have prolonged floodplain ridges and almost level basins. There is an overall pattern of olive brown,
rapidly permeable loamy soil on the floodplain ridges, and grey, slowly permeable heavy silt loam or
silty clay loam soils on the lower land. There are eight general soil types occur in the region, of which
non-calcareous grey floodplain and non-calcareous brown floodplain soils predominate. These soils
are moderately acidic throughout, low in organic matter content on the higher land, but moderate in
the lower parts. Soil fertility level in general is low to medium but the status of K and CEC is medium
in most of the places. Soils have a good moisture-holding capacity.

Level Barind Tract is developed over Madhupur Clay with almost level with locally irregular
landscape along river channels. The predominant soils have a grey, silty puddled top soil with
ploughpan. Soil is silty loam with silty clay loamy sub-soils. Soils are low in available moisture
holding capacity and slightly to strongly acidic. Organic matter content is very low and most of the
available nutrients are limiting.

North Eastern Barind Tract occupies several discontinuous areas on the northeastern margins of the
Barind Tract, and stands slightly higher than adjoining floodplain land. The region has silty to loamy
topsoil, and clay loam to clay sub-soils. Deep red brown terrace soils are the major components of the
general soil types. Soils are strongly acidic having low organic matter and general fertility is very
poor with medium status of Zn.

Eastern parts of Kurigram and Gaibandha districts fall within this zone comprise of the belt of
unstable alluvial land along the Brahmaputra-Jamuna rivers, where the land is constantly being
formed and eroded by shifting river channels (Table 4.1).

20
 Figure 4.1 Teesta Basin Region Figure 4.2 Teesta River and its Adjoining Flood
Plains
Source: GIS Mapping by Pearl Consultant Ltd.

Table 4.1 Area under Different AEZs (ha)

AEZ-2 AEZ-3 AEZ-7 AEZ-25 AEZ-27
District Area % Area % Area % Area % Area %
Gaibandha 10337 5 142591 67 39482 18 12949 6 8970 4
Kurigram 65106 29 89802 40 69596 31 - - - -
Lalmonirhat 18067 18 81791 82 - - - - - -
Nilphamari 40963 26 117075 74 - - - - - -
Rangpur 6821 3 192457 80 40778 17 - - - -
Total 141294 15 623716 67 149856 16 13077 1 8970 1
Source: DAE

The zone has an irregular relief of broad and narrow ridge and depressions, interrupted by cut-off and
active channels. Both outline and relief of char formations are to change during flood season due to
bank erosion by shifting channels and deposition of irregular thickness of new alluvium. Local
difference in elevation is 2-5 m. Virtually the whole region is subject to seasonal flooding, shallow
flooding higher parts and deep in lower parts. The depression sites and thick new silt deposits remain
wet through the dry season. Medium highland dominant in the land area (37 percent), followed by
medium lowland (20 percent), and homestead land 30 percent. The usual highland is only about 5
percent and lowland is 8 percent. The complex mixture of sandy and silty alluvium occupies most
charlands, but there are some develop pedigree silty soils on older areas of alluvium. The proportion
of sandy and silt alluvium varies from place to place and from year to year. Soils are low in organic
matters and neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction.

21
4.1.1 Land Type

In general, the region is dominated by

highland and medium highland. Generally
favorable land conditions in the region are
indicated by higher percentage of
highland and medium highland (Table 4.2,
Fig. 4.3). Maximum highland found in
Rangpur (39%) followed by Gaibandha
(34 %) and minimum highland recorded in
Nilphamari (02 %) district. When medium
highland dominate in Kurigram (34 %)
followed by Lalmonirhat (23 %).

Figure 4.3 Land Type of Teesta Basin

Source: CASEED GIS Mapping

Table 4.2 Land Resources of the Teesta Region

District HL1 MHL-1 2 MHL-2 3 MLL 4 LL5 BL6 Total

(ha)
Gaibandha 53030 5834 (4%) 23690 9476(6%) 12634 (8%) 0 157264
(34%) (15%)
Kurigram 31970 55307(34%) 13827 (9%) 46170 11587 (7 %) 3427 (2%) 162288
(20%) (28%)
Lalmonirhat 32128 22853 (23%) 26017 17310 1550(2%) 0 99858
(32%) (26%) (17%)
Nilphamari 6362 (5%) 23413 (19%) 0 78912 14617(12%) 1618 124922
(63%) (1%)
Rangpur 77663 104521(5 %) 0 13434 (7%) 4472(2%)) 0 200090
(39%)
Total 201153 264528 63534 165302(18 123490(13 123490 941497
(21%) (28%) (7%) %) %) (13%)
Source: DAE, 2015

4.1.2 Soil Characteristics

In general, there are three types of soil in the region: (1) sandy, (2) loamy, and (3) clay. Loamy soil is
dominant (88 percent), followed by sandy and clay soil of almost equal ratio. In the district, the sandy
soil is higher in Nilphamari (19 percent), followed by Kurigram (13 percent). In Lalmonirhat, more
than 97 percent of the soil is loamy (Table 4.3).

1
Area above normal seasonal flood.
2
Seasonal flooding up to 30 cm mainly due to field bunds (ails) that is human-induced inundation.
3
Seasonal flooding depth 30-90 cm for a duration of about 7-10 days due to improper drainage system.
4
Seasonal inundation depth 90-180 cm for a period of 3-4 weeks due to overflowing of rivers through this land.
5
Inundation depth 180-300 cm for a period of 1-3 months due overflowing of rivers.
6
Inundation > 300 cm for > 3 months

22
Table 4.3 Soil Resources of the Teesta Region (-000- ha)
Sandy Loamy Clay Total
District ha % ha % ha % ha
Gaibandha 10.30 6 148.50 81 24.20 13 183.00
Kurigram 23.10 13 146.40 81 11.20 6 180.70
Lalmonirhat 17.90 2 902.40 >97 0.90 <1 921.20
Nilphamari 32.10 19 114.70 66 26.70 15 173.50
Rangpur 9.40 5 153.00 73 46.30 22 208.70
Total 92.80 5 1465.00 88 109.30 7 1667.10

4.2 Charlands

Charlands in the region are the byproduct of

the hydro-morphological dynamics of the river
Teesta, Dudkumar and Dharala rivers passing
through the region (Fig. 4.4). Chars are areas of
new land formed through the continual
procession of erosion and deposition in the
riverbeds. The process has been accelerated
during the recent years when due to lower flow
of the great river Teesta. Chars can be
categorized into mainland chars (attached to
mainland) and island chars (totally isolated
from mainland).

The whole of the charland is unstable and

prone to annual flooding. The char dwellers are
some of the poorest and most vulnerable Figure 4.4 Char Land of Teesta River Basin
people. Source: CASEED GIS Mapping

Table 4.4 Char lands in the Teesta River Basin

Sl. No. District Area (ha)
1 Gaibandha 45400
2 Kurigram 92507
3 Lalmonirhat 12298
4 Nilphamari 9594
5 Rangpur 8918
Total 168717
Source: CASEED Estimation through GIS

The chars are poorly connected to the mainland and are prone to acute erosion and flooding which
make the inhabitants vulnerable. Some charlands are old, having much population living there; when
others are newly emerged where a few families have started settling. Char communities suffer from
seasonal flooding, erosion and widening and shifting of river channels. Here the individual and
household mobility is high and temporary or permanent displacement is common. The communities
are largely excluded from mainland services and do not represent a priority for mainland leased

23
government administration. More than 1,68,700 ha of charlands are available in different districts of
Teesta Basin (Table 4.4). There are three soil types in the char lands: (1) clay-loam, (2) sandy-loam,
and (3) loam, with a statistically significant part of the charlands being sandy-loam type (75 percent).

4.3 Climatic Condition of the Region

Teesta region is characterized by sub-tropical wet and dry climate, marked with monsoon. The
temperature ranges from 32-36 o C during kharif and 7-16 o C during rabi season. Average maximum
temperature is 32.9 °C and minimum is 10.2° C (average of last 10 years).The area experiences an
annual rainfall of 1800—2400 mm, with relatively early onset and late cessation. The highest rainfall
is observed during the months of monsoon. Yearly rainfall situation for the last 20 years is provided in
Appendix 1. The distribution pattern of the monthly rainfall depicts average maximum 437 mm in
June, and minimum 4.2 mm in January (Fig. 4.5).

The onset in winter is about 15 days earlier and the duration of winter is about a month longer
compared to the other parts of the country. Clear sunshine and comparatively long winter season gave
the region a unique feature for cultivating diversified high value crops with processing and export.
Ample ground water exists at a shallow depth throughout the area indicating a tremendous potential
for the development of irrigated agricultural production system. Besides, the comparatively longer
winter provides an ideal environment for the seed production of a large number of winter vegetables
that indirectly helps in. increasing the production

Figure 4.5 Trend of Annual Rainfall in TBR over the Last 20 Years

Source: Bangladesh Meteorological Department

24
 5 .0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING OF THE REGION

TBR is situated in the northern part of Bangladesh. The Teesta is flowing through the five northern
districts of Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Rangpur comprising 9,554 sq. km, 35
upazilas, 342 unions and 5,45 villages (Table 5.1).

Table 5.1 Area, upazila, union, villages and municipality under the Teesta Region
District Area (km²) Upazila (no.) Union (no.) Village (no.) Municipality (no.)
Gaibandha 2115 7 82 1250 3
Kurigram 2245 9 72 1872 3
Lalmonirhat 1247 5 45 478 2
Nilphamari 1547 6 60 361 4
Rangpur 2401 8 83 1492 3
Total 9554 35 342 5453 15
Source: BBS

Table 5.2 presents information on socio-economic characteristics of the sample households of the
TRB. The average household size is 4.5 and dependency ratio is $75.20. On average, male household
Table 5.2 Characteristics of survey households by farm size
Farm size groups
Description Marginal Small Medium Large All
Household size 3.9 4.6 5.3 6.3 4.5
Dependency ratio (%) 73.6 79.3 67.3 68.6 75.2
Years of schooling, male household head 2.4 3.9 4.7 8.1 3.8
Years of schooling, wife of household head 2.9 3.6 2.3 6.5 3.4
Schooling years of adult male aged 15 and above 3.5 5.0 6.8 8.9 5.2
Schooling years of adult female aged 15 and above 2.9 4.1 3.8 7.6 4.1
No schooling adult male (%) 48.4 31.3 20.6 6.5 32.0
No schooling adult female (%) 58.6 44.6 47.8 17.2 46.3
Female-headed household (%) 9.7 2.7 0.0 0.0 4.8
Average owned cultivable landholding size (deci.) 3.9 4.6 5.3 6.3 4.5
Less than 0.5 acre of cultivable land owned (%) 73.6 79.3 67.3 68.6 75.2
Principal occupation of household head (%)
Agricultural day laborer 29.9 12.9 2.5 3.3 17.3
Non-agricultural day labour 1.4 0.0 5.0 0.0 1.0
Salaried position 1.4 3.8 0.0 3.3 2.5
Self-employed work 5.6 2.7 7.5 0.0 4.0
Rickshaw/tricycle van puller 6.9 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.8
Business/trade 9.7 10.2 7.5 13.3 10.0
Production business 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3
Livestock related work 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3
Farming 40.3 68.8 75.0 73.3 59.5
Non-income-earning occupation 3.5 1.1 2.5 6.7 2.5
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Household Survey, 2015, IFPRI

25
heads have 3.8 years of schooling. Household heads in the TRB have diverse occupations, with
around 59.5 percent in farming, 10 percent in business, and 17.3 percent in day labor.
5.1 Demographic Characteristics of the Region

The TRB constitutes about 9.87 percent of the total population of Bangladesh, with an annual growth
rate of 1.30 for 2012 (Table 5.3). The total population of the TRB is 10.42 million, of which 50.97
percent is male and 49.08 percent is female. Average sex (male: female) ratio of the region is
100:100. The average population density is 1166/ km2.

Table 5.3 Population in Teesta Region

Land Area Population density
District Population (sq km) Area(ha) (per sq.km)
Gaibandha 24,71681 1928 192804 1155
Kurigram 21,50,974 2000 199970 945
Lalmonirhat 13,05,248 1215 121493 1071
Nilphamari 1907497 1506 150618 1229
Rangpur 2996336 2287 228683 1289
Total 10419944 8936 893568 1166
Source: BBS, Statistical Year Book, 2012

With the exception of Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts, the region’s population density is more or
less like other areas of the country (Fig. 5.1).

Figure 5.1 Trend of Population Increase by District

Source: BBS, Statistical Year Book, 2012

5.2 Incidence of Poverty

The region is poverty-stricken where majority of the people are hardcore poor and live below the
poverty line. The poor farmers constitute the greatest majority of the rural population and there is a
strong relationship between the landlessness and poverty. About 88 percent of rural households have
between 0.02-1.0 ha of land per household.

26
According to the Bangladesh Household Expenditure Survey (HIES) in 2010, based on headcount
ratio, absolute poverty was 40.4 percent in 2005, which decreased to 31.5 percent in 2010 (Table 5.4).
The Government emphasized poverty alleviation and has pledged to eradicate poverty through
planned economic development. Following the adoption of different innovative programs during
1996-2001, yearly average rate of poverty reduction increased from 0.5 to 1.5 while human poverty
index decreased from 41.6 to 31.5. Using both the lower and upper poverty lines, the poverty rate in
Barisal division was 26.7 percent and 39.4 percent; and Rajshahi division (old) was 21.6 and 35.7
percent, respectively. Rangpur division had a poverty rate of 27.7 percent using the lower poverty
line, and 42.3 percent using the upper poverty line, which is higher than the national level in 2010.

Table 5.4 Division-wise incidence of poverty (HCR) by CBN Method (%)

National/Division 2010 2005 2000
Using the lower poverty line
National

National

National
Urban

Urban

Urban
Rural

Rural

Rural
National 17.6 21.1 7.7 25.1 28.6 14.6 34.3 37.9 20.0
Barisal 26.7 27.3 24.2 35.6 37.2 26.4 34.7 35.9 21.7
Chittagong 13.1 16.2 4.0 16.1 18.7 8.1 27.5 30.1 17.1
Dhaka 15.6 23.5 3.8 19.9 26.1 9.6 34.5 43.6 15.8
Khulna 15.4 15.2 16.4 31.6 32.7 27.8 32.3 34.0 23.0
Rajshahi 21.6 22.7 15.6 34.5 35.6 28.4 42.7 43.9 34.5
Rajshahi (new) 16.0 16.4 14.4 - - - - - -
Rangpur 27.7 29.4 17.2 - - - - - -
Sylhet 20.7 23.5 5.5 20.8 22.3 11.0 26.7 26.1 35.2
Using the upper poverty line
National 31.5 35.2 21.3 40.0 43.8 28.4 48.9 52.3 35.2
Barisal 39.4 39.2 39.9 52.0 54.1 40.4 53.1 55.1 32.0
Chittagong 26.2 31.0 11.8 34.0 36.0 27.8 45.7 46.3 44.2
Dhaka 30.5 38.8 18.0 32.0 39.0 20.2 46.7 55.9 28.2
Khulna 32.1 31.0 35.8 45.7 46.5 43.2 45.1 46.4 38.5
Rajshahi 35.7 36.6 30.7 51.2 52.3 45.2 56.7 58.5 44.5
Rajshahi (new) 29.7 29.0 32.6 - - - - - -
Rangpur 42.3 44.5 27.9 - - - - - -
Sylhet 28.1 30.5 15.0 33.8 36.1 18.6 42.4 41.9 49.6
Source: BBS, HIES-2010

On the other hand, using the upper poverty line, the poverty rates for Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet
divisions are 30.5, 26.2, and 28.1, respectively, which shows improvements in poverty reduction
compared to northern and southwestern parts of the country. Among seven divisions, Rangpur has the
highest poverty (42.3 percent), and the poverty rate of rural areas has doubled compared to urban
areas.

5.3 Land Ownership Pattern

Table 5.5 presents information on operated land by farm type of the respondent sample farms of the
region. The average land holding of marginal, small, medium and large farmers were 27.7, 78.9, 166.9

27
and 240.7 decimals, respectively. The share of total operated land of marginal, small, medium and
large farms in the region was 12.6 percent, 44.9 percent, 20.4 percent and 22.1 percent, respectively.
Table 5.5 Operated land size in the Teesta Basin Region
Farmer Type Average operated land size (decimal) Share of total operated land (%)
Marginal 28.67 12.62
Small 78.9 44.87
Medium 166.98 20.38
Large 240.77 22.08
Source: IFPRI Household Survey, 2015

Table 5.6 presents the distribution of marginal, small, medium and large farmers in the region. It was
found that the marginal and small farms dominate the region, while large farms were only 7.5 percent.
Table 5.7 presents information on the number of plots owned by the respondent sample farmers in the
region, which shows that as farm size increases, number of plots also increase.
Table 5.8 presents information on land tenure. It was found that many farms have mixed land
ownership – that is, 53.25 percent owned and rented land, 42 percent were owners, and 4.7 percent
were pure tenant farmers.

Table 5.6 Distribution of Households by Farm Type in the Teesta River Basin
Farmer type Distribution (%)
Marginal 36
Small 46.5
Medium 10
Large 7.5
Total 100
Source: IFPRI Household Survey, 2015

Table 5.7 Number of Plots of the Respondent Sample Farms

Farmer type Number of Plots
Mean Minimum Maximum St. Dev
Farm size
Marginal 3.08 2 6 1.05
Small 5.37 2 14 2.17
Medium 8.05 3 18 3.4
Large 12.23 4 35 6.32
All 5.33 2 35 3.57

Location
Teesta 5.42 2 35 3.93
Non-Teesta 5.39 2 18 3.1
Char 3.73 2 8 1.8
NT 6.3 2 23 4.65
All 5.33 2 35 3.57

28
Farmer type Number of Plots
Mean Minimum Maximum St. Dev
District
Gaibandha 6.9 2 18 3.73
Kurigram 4.1 2 17 2.6
Lalmonirhat 5.53 2 23 3.68
Nilphamari 5.02 2 18 2.97
Rangpur 6.01 2 35 4.54
All 5.33 2 35 3.57
Source: IFPRI Household Survey, 2015

Table 5.8 Land Tenure of the Respondent Sample Farms (%)

Category Location
Tenure arrangement Teesta Non-Teesta Char NT All
Pure tenant 0.75 1.5 2.5 0 4.75
Own land only 17.25 14.75 4.75 5.25 42
Mixed tenant 22 23.75 2.75 4.75 53.25
Source: IFPRI Household Survey, 2015
5.4 Food Security Status
Poverty and food insecurity are interlinked. The most startling consequence of widespread poverty in
Bangladesh is that about one-fifth of the country’s 160 million people cannot afford an adequate diet.
The poor do not have sufficient purchasing power to secure their access to food, even when food is
available in local markets. Chronically underfed and highly vulnerable, this segment of the population
remains largely without assets (other than its own labor power) to cushion lean-season hunger or the
crushing blows of illness, flooding, and other calamities. The poor are highly vulnerable to shocks
(such as natural disasters or crop failures) that cause sudden losses of real income and, hence,
transitory food insecurity. Sudden increases in food prices, such as the surge in 2007–2008 and again
in 2010–2011 also result in transitory food insecurity, particularly for low-income households, by
reducing their real income. Family coping strategies (e.g., consumption of less food, the withdrawal of
children from schools, and the distress sale of productive assets) often aggravate the risks of
destitution.
The economic setting presented in this section is the fundamental basis for access to food at the
household level. Various factors that can affect a household’s access to food in terms of its purchasing
capacity are analyzed from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) data carried out by
IFPRI under the USAID-funded Policy Research and Strategy Support Program (PRSSP).

Figure 5.2 shows that 40.5 percent of the population in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone lived below
PPP $1.25 per person per day in 2011–2012 at baseline. While 38.2 percent of the population in rural
Bangladesh was living below the poverty threshold, there are pronounced regional differences in the
incidence of poverty. The rate varies widely across divisions, ranging from a low of 31.0 percent in
Chittagong division to as high as 65.5 percent in Rangpur division. Rajshahi division ranks second
highest.

29
 Figure 5.2 Percentage of people living on less than PPP $1.25/day
Source: BIHS, 2005

Figure 5.3 provides the estimates of consumption expenditures per person per month. At the rural
level across all districts, average monthly per capita expenditure was Tk. 2,692 at 2011–2012 current
prices, which was only 1.2 percent higher than the estimate for the FTF sample of households at Tk.
2,660 per person per month. The highest average monthly per capita expenditure was Tk. 3,090 in
Chittagong division, followed by Tk. 2,952 in Sylhet division. The lowest average monthly per capita
expenditure was Tk.1,989.

Figure 5.3 Monthly per Capita Consumption Expenditures

Source: BIHS, 2005

30
 6 .0 AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN THE REGION

This section reviews current agriculture practices in the region, which includes crops, livestock, and
fisheries across the value chain – from production to postharvest management to marketing.
Diversified agricultural practices are being followed in this region from time immemorial. However,
the crop farming is by far the dominant practice, but there are substantial activities of livestock,
fisheries and homestead farming.

The agro-climatic condition of the region is suitable for growing varieties of crops throughout the
year. The predominant regional crop is rice, followed by other crops like wheat, maize, potatoes, jute,
pulses, oil crops, spices, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Although a variety of crops are grown almost
all the year round, productivity of these crops are low compared to other regions due to lower levels
of technology adoption, inadequate supply of quality inputs, and financial inability of small-scale
farmers.
6.1 Land Utilization Patterns

Crop cultivation, settlements, fisheries and homestead forestry are the major land utilization pattern of
the region. Qualitative changes observed in the land use pattern with the growing population for their
increasing needs in various sectors.

Land utilization in an area evolves through natural and manmade forces. The major land use types in
the region include crop cultivation, settlements, fisheries, and homestead. With the increase of
population and their increasing needs a qualitative change have been observed in the land use pattern.
Over the time net cropped area is gradually shrinking due to rapid urbanization and rural settlement
and only a small area (6 percent) of fallow land exists (Table 6.1). A total of 7,48,320 ha are
cultivable area in the TBR, of which Rangpur district represents more than a quarter of the cultivable
area. Out of 31,610 ha of water area, more than 10,000 ha are in the Kurigram. The area under forest
is only 1 percent t in Nilphamari and in all other districts forest area is negligible.

Table 6.1 Land Utilization Pattern by District (ha)

District Total Water Urban Rural Forest Cultivable Area not
Land Area Area Settlement Area Area available for
Area cultivation
Gaibandhah 217040 9951 3877 3203 20 161157 9997
(5%) (2%) (15%) (0%) (74%) (5%)
Kurigram 224504 11737 4377 20205 10 162288 25887
(5%) (2%) (9%) (0%) (72%) (12%)
Lalmonirhat 124093 414 538 7716 26 99858 15541
(0%) (0%) (6%) (0%) (80%) (13%)
Nilphamari 158166 6738 1978 22985 1543 124922 0
(4%) (1%) (15%) (1%) (79%)
Rangpur 240056 2770 6409 18980 1190 200090 10617
(1%) (3%) (8%) (0%) (83%) (4%)
Total 963859 31610 17179 101924 2789 748315 62042
(3%) (2%) (11%) (0%) (78%) (6%)
Source: District Statistics 2011, BBS

31
6.2 Crop Agriculture

6.2.1 Major Crops Grown

This section reviews the current crop agriculture scenario of the region. The agro-climatic condition
of the region is suitable for growing varieties of crops throughout the year. It is known that the TBR is
an economically depressed region. Major crops grown are rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, oil crops,
spices, tobacco, jute, fruits and vegetables (Table 1), with cropping intensity around 200 percent. Rice
occupies about 78 percent cultivated area of which boro is the dominant crop (Fig.1). The region
could proud of producing highest quantity of good quality potatoes (21 percent of national
production). The next important crops are vegetables and fruits. Vegetables are grown in more than
35,000 ha, with annual production of about 445,000 tons. Mango, litchi, banana, and guava are
important fruits grown in the region. A good number of spices like chilli, onion, garlic, turmeric and
ginger profitably grown in the region. Nilphamari and Kurigram are the leading districts in spices
cultivation. Fish culture in the rice field has become important economic activity. Crops grown in char
lands are potatoes, chilli, onion, garlic, wheat, maize, pulses, oil crops, in the rabi season and in some
areas aman rice in kharif-II.

The region has significant crop diversification including cereals (rice, wheat and maize), potatoes,
vegetables, oil crops, pulses, spices and fruits. Rice is the dominant crop in both irrigated- and non-
irrigated areas.

It is known that the TBR is an economically depressed region. Major crops grown are rice, wheat,
maize, potatoes, oil crops, spices, tobacco, jute, fruits and vegetables. Rice occupied maximum
cultivated area.

Household survey conducted by IFPRI in 2015 revealed that more than 72 percent of the net cropped
area is occupied by rice, followed by 7 percent maize and tobacco, potatoes around 4 percent. Wheat,
jute and peanut occupy 2-3 percent areas. Among districts Gaibandha rank first in terms diversified
crop production with minimum areas under rice (61%), around 20 percent jute and 11 percent wheat.
Household survey also disclosed maximum coverage of peanut (11.5%) in Kurigram, potatoes (12%)
in Nilphamari and maize (21.5 %) in Lalmonirhat. In Lalmonirhat and Rangpur more than 8 percent
cropped area is covered by tobacco (Table 6.2).

Table 6.2 Percent of Total Cultivable Area Shared by Different Crops by District in TBR

Item Districts All districts

Gaibandha Kurigram Lalmonirhat Nilphamari Rangpur
Rice 61.37 77.40 64.88 74.01 78.27 72.45
Wheat 11.16 1.99 0.42 0.99 0.73 2.04
Potato 1.51 1.82 0.38 12.07 3.24 4.86
Maize 0.00 0.09 21.52 5.92 5.63 7.23
Jute 19.92 1.70 2.70 1.48 1.67 3.65
Mustard 0.40 1.55 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.43
Peanut 0.22 11.49 0.50 0.00 0.00 2.42
Aroids 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 0.16 0.12
Onion 1.49 1.32 0.04 0.00 0.05 0.43
Chili 0.47 1.29 0.15 1.73 0.18 0.89

32
 Item Districts All districts
Gaibandha Kurigram Lalmonirhat Nilphamari Rangpur
Garlic 0.32 0.31 0.06 0.00 0.04 0.12
Ginger 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.22 0.16 0.10
Brinjal 0.41 0.00 0.10 0.03 0.31 0.13
Tobacco 1.37 0.00 8.80 2.37 8.37 4.28
Others 0.91 0.42 0.46 0.59 1.08 0.66
Source: Household Survey, 2015

With respect of share of crops by farmer categories, no significant difference observed, though small
and medium farmers grow maximum non-rice crops. Among non-cereals all categories of farmers
preferred tobacco cultivation. Maximum large farmers produce maize, potatoes are grown by medium
and large farmers in equal percentage (Table 6.3).

Table 6.3 Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Farm Size

Item Farm size groups All

Marginal Small Medium Large Category
Rice 75.72 71.08 69.24 69.57 72.45
Wheat 1.4 2.66 2.33 0.93 2.04
Potato 4.46 4.6 6.53 6.14 4.86
Maize 6.07 7.7 6.61 10.68 7.23
Jute 2.15 4.69 4.4 3.38 3.65
Mustard 0 0.42 0.63 2.29 0.43
Nut/peanut 3.86 1.97 1.13 0 2.42
Arum (Kochu) 0.04 0.13 0.29 0.15 0.12
Onion 0.18 0.63 0.27 0.64 0.43
Chili 1.54 0.55 0.28 0.69 0.89
Garlic 0.02 0.09 0.66 0.02 0.12
Ginger 0 0.08 0.08 0.69 0.1
Brinjal 0.01 0.17 0.31 0.21 0.13
Tobacco 3.46 4.75 5.42 3.74 4.28
All other crops 0.74 0.41 1.42 0.81 0.66
Source: Household Survey, 2015

Since the last a few decades fruits and vegetables growth increased tremendously in the region and
contributed to a change of farming practices, replacing traditional crops like jute, pulses and local
rice, etc., by high value crops like potatoes, maize, vegetables, fruits and spices. Organized farming
through modern technologies with quality input use and efficient marketing network can go long way
in crop production in the region.

Household survey also discloses that crop diversity is maximum in Non-Teesta areas compared to
Teesta areas, though rice area is almost same. Again maximum tobacco (6%) , potato (10%) areas
found in Teesta area and peanut (23%) in charland . Followed by rice maximum area of wheat, maize
and jute found in Non-Teesta areas (Table 6.4).

33
Table 6.4 Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Teesta, Non-Teesta and Char

Item Teesta Non-Teesta Char All

Rice 72.36 73.30 59.48 72.45
Wheat 0.74 3.16 3.98 2.04
Potato 9.72 1.68 2.46 4.86
Maize 6.40 11.30 0.00 7.23
Jute 1.95 5.60 3.09 3.65
Mustard 0.20 0.64 0.93 0.43
Nut/peanut 0.00 0.30 22.97 2.42
Arum(Kochu) 0.25 0.04 0.00 0.12
Onion 0.03 0.38 2.64 0.43
Chili 1.34 0.17 2.58 0.89
Garlic 0.02 0.08 0.61 0.12
Ginger 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.10
Brinjal 0.04 0.24 0.00 0.13
Tobacco 5.96 2.22 0.00 4.28
All other crops 0.66 0.77 0.00 0.66
Source: Household Survey, 2015

About 09 percent of national crop production grows in the region. Amongst the major crops 23
percent maize, 21 percent potatoes and 25 percent tobacco are produced in the Teesta Basin. Major
crops grown in the region are rice, wheat maize, potatoes, jute, pulses, oil crops, spices tobacco, fruits
and vegetables (Table 6.5).
Table 6.5 Crop Production in Teesta Compared to Nation (%)

Crop Bangladesh Teesta Region

Area (ha) Production Area (ha) % of Production % of
(ha) National (ton) National
Area Production
Rice 11423306 33833602 1042162 9 3398384 10
Wheat 416522 1254778 20586 5 53184 4
Potato 444135 8603120 92552 21 1829084 21
Sweet Potato 27217 263455 1536 6 12932 5
Jute 681034 7610585 50459 7 548455 7

Sugar cane 109206 4468692 5225 5 287568 6

Oil Crops 406468 441625 7828 2 7878 2
Pulses 283806 265469 2835 1 2855 1
Spices 317843 1720974 12491 4 45706 3
Tobacco 48440 79370 16879 35 20120 25
Vegetables 515660 2191790 27900 11 111820 9
Total 14943311 62437779 133497 9 6678634 11
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics, BBS, 2014

Crop agriculture sub-sector is dominated by rice. More than 75 percent-cultivated areas are occupied
by rice. Potatoes occupied 07 percent and o8 percent by maize and jute with equal share (Table 6.6).
There are more than 60 seasonal and year-round vegetables grown in the region. Between 60-70

34
percent of the vegetables are produced at a marketable surplus during the winter season. Regional
crop production had an average annual growth rate of only 2.8 percent.

Table 6.6 Distribution of Area under Major Crops In TBR

Crop Area (ha) Percent of Total

Rice 1042165 75.36
Wheat 20586 1.49
Maize 53071 3.84
Potato 92553 6.69
Sweet Potato 1572 0.11
Jute 55150 3.99
Sugar cane 4863 0.35
Oil Crops 9751 0.71
Pulses 3993 0.29
Spices 12048 0.87
Tobacco 21412 1.55
Fruits 38122 2.76
Vegetables 27900 2.0
Total 1382989 100
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics, BBS, 2014

Major crops with their performance are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
i) Cereal Crops
Rice is the major cereal grown throughout the year in three distinct cropping seasons, both in irrigated
and non-irrigated, as well as in low and upland conditions (Appendix 2, Table 1). Rice is grown in
1.88 million ha, with an annual production of about 6.4 million metric tons. Hybrid rice cultivation
expanded over the last five years. Total area under hybrid is now 0.15 million ha, and the area under
HYV is about 880,000 ha. Wheat and maize are the major non-rice cereals grown in the region.
According to BBS reports wheat grows in about 20.5 thousand ha, with annual production of about 53
thousand metric tons, and yield per hectare is 2.58 tons. Maize has been newly introduced by a
number of feed entrepreneurs. Maize is grown in both summer and winter seasons in the region.
Summer season maize covers an estimated area of 8,000 ha, whereas winter maize covers about
45,000 ha with annual production of about 0.36 million tons. Until recently, maize was grown
exclusively in a contract farming system; now, individual farmers are growing maize outside of the
contract growing zones. High yielding crops significantly contribute to the nutrition and food security
of the rural population. Alluvial soil in the high and medium highland prevalent in the region favors
the production of these crops.

ii) Tubers and Root Crops

In the Teesta Region, potatoes grow in about 91000 ha of land, with annual production of about 1.7
million tons. Rangpur District is the largest potato producer (50,000 ha), followed by Nilphamari
District (19880 ha). Yield of potatoes varies from 15-21 tons per hectare ( Table-6.7).

35
 Table 6.7 Tuber and Root Crops Area and Production in TBR
Crop District Area (ha) Yield (t/ha) Production (ton)
Potato Rangpur 50401 20.66 1040529
Gaibandha 8948 15.48 138470
Kurigram 6700 20.24 135635
Lalmonirhat 3853 15.58 60014
Nilphamari 21285 17.56 373850
Total 91187 1748498
Sweet Potato Rangpur 467 14.16 6615
Gaibandha 319 7.40 2360
Kurigram 391 13.05 5103
Lalmonirhat 171 12.39 2119
Nilphamari 224 5.85 1311
Total 1572 17508
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics, 2014, and District Statistics, 2011, BBS

iii) Jute

Jute is the most important fibre crop and grown well in floodplain dominant in the TBR. But due
expansion of irrigated rice, jute area has been declined in the region At present jute is grown in about
50500 ha of land with annual production of about 548,500 bales of raw jute. Maximum jute area is
concentrated in Kurigram district (18,000 ha), followed by Rangpur (9,500 ha) and Nilphamari (9,100
ha) with the least in Lalmonirhat (4,800 ha). The average yield was approximately 11 bales per ha
(Table 6.8).

Table 6.8 Areas and Production of Jute in the Teesta Basin Region

District Area (ha) Yield (bale/ha) Production (bale)

Rangpur 11032 13.07 144188
Gaibandha 10384 12.23 126996
Kurigram 19442 11.81 229610
Lalmonirhat 5091 12.58 64045
Nilphamari 9201 10.8 99371
Total 55150 664210
Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics-2014, BBS
iv) Vegetables

Vegetables acreage and production have been provided in the Table 6.9. Vegetables grow almost all
the year in the region. There is minimal vegetable grow during the summer season and maximum
during winter season. Vegetables grow in more than 35000 ha, with production of about 445,000 tons
per year.

36
Table 6.9 Area and Production of Vegetables in TBR

Crop Area and Production of Vegetables

Area (ha) Yield (t/ha) Production (ton)
W.Vegetables
Tomato 2080 14.31 29380
Hyacinth Bean 1140 3.6 4820
Brinjal 7060 12.79 89489
Water gourd 1680 8 5410
Radish 4248 13.35 42098
Carrot 508 14.38 7946
Cauliflower 4785 13.16 61423
Cabbage 4130 19.27 78758
Total Winter Vegetables 25631 319323
S.Vegetables
Pumpkin 1640 16.32 27580
Cucumber 1900 10.97 20588
Teasel gourd 700 8.5 7736
Ribbed gourd 995 10.06 9785
Snake gourd 1000 11.34 11670
Bitter gourd 1745 11.54 18378
Pointed gourd 835 13.46 10660
Aroid (dry land) 630 11.74 9310
Aroid (wet land) 580 11.55 9448
Total Summer Vegetable 10025 125155
Grand Total 35656 444478
Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics 2013, BBS

Winter vegetable coverage is about 256000 ha with production of approximately 319,000 tons and
occupies 72 percent of the total vegetable area and more than 50 percent of regional production.
Maximum winter vegetables are grown in Rangpur , followed by Gaibandha district.

Summer vegetables grow in about 10,000 ha of land with annual production of 125,000 tons.
Maximum summer vegetables are grown in Rangpur district (2880 ha) and annual production is about
40,900 tons, followed by Gaibandha with 1185 ha area and 10700 tons.

v) Fruits

Light-textured loamy soil abundant in the region favors the cultivation of quick growing fruits.
Varieties of fruits like mango, litchi, banana, guava, zuzubi, etc. grown well in the region. Very
recently, commercial cultivation of fruits in crop fields gaining popularity. Quick growing fruits cover
about 9000 ha, with annual production of about 111 thousand metric tons per year. Kurigram District
has the most area of fruit cultivation (2900 ha), followed by Rangpur (2379 ha) and lowest in
Nilphamari (531 ha). (Appendix 2, Table 2).

vi) Pulses

Major pulses grown in the region are lentil, mung bean, black gram, gram, field pea and grass pea

37
(Table 6.10). Pulses are grown in about 4000 ha of land, with annual production of only 5200 tons.
Kurigram district is leading in total area of pulses (1930 ha), followed by Rangpur district (1400 ha).
There has been a decline in cropped area and production of these pulses during the recent past, mainly
because of the increased emphasis on cereals, especially rice.

Table 6.10 Pulse Crops in Teesta Basin

District Lentil Mungbean Black gram Chickpea Field pea Grass pea Total
Prod. (ton)

Prod. (ton)

Prod. (ton)

Prod. (ton)

Prd. (ton)

Prd. (ton)

Prd. (ton)
Area (ha)

Area (ha)

Area (ha)

Area (ha)

Area (ha)

Area (ha)

Area (ha)
Gaibandha 136 196 24 29 45 54 19 18 10 9 33 43 266 349
Kurigram 883 1272 61 75 156 189 67 64 17 15 746 977 1931 2592
Lalmonirhat 112 161 18 22 6 8 3 3 0 0 1 2 140 195
Nilphamari 62 89 14 17 115 139 17 16 0 0 52 68 260 329
Rangpur 176 253 13 16 1165 1410 17 16 10 8 16 20 1396 1724
Total 1368 1970 130 159 1488 1800 123 117 37 33 848 1111 3993 5189
Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics -2014, BBS
vii) Oil Crops

Oil crops in the region are dominated by mustard (7000 ha), followed by groundnut (5000 ha).
Majority of oil crop area lies in Kurigram District (3600 ha), followed by Gaibandha (2200 ha) (Table
6.11).

Table 6.11 Present Status of Oil Crops Cultivation in Teesta Basin

Mustard Groundnut Sesame Total

District
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
Rangpur 1274 943 169 360 88 108 1531 1411
Gaibandha 2180 1614 224 477 88 108 2492 2198
Kurigram 2268 1678 997 2123 352 432 3616 4234
Lalmonirhat 569 421 536 1142 211 259 1316 1822
Nilphamari 698 516 45 97 53 65 796 678
Total 6989 5172 1971 4198 791 973 9751 10343
Yield (t/ha) 0.74 2.13 1.23
Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics-2014, BBS

viii) Spice Crops

Spice cultivation status in the Teesta region is presented in the table 6.12. Amongst the spices, chilli
is extensively grown in the region covering about 12,000 ha. Nilphamari, Kurigram are the leading
districts in spices cultivation. Chilli coverage is highest in Kurigram (1200 ha.) followed by
Nilphamari and Rangpur with 450-500 ha. Productivity is highest in Gaibandha and Rangpur, 4.10
tons/ha. Onion & garlic are grown in about 8927 ha in TBR. Onion coverage is highest in Lalmonirhat

38
(2160 ha.) followed by Rangpur, 625 ha and production is 5.30 tons/ha. Highest area of ginger and
turmeric recorded in Nilphamari (ginger, 700 ha. turmeric 530 ha.).

Table 6.12 Spices in Teesta Region

Crop District Present Area & Production

Area (ha) Yield (t/ha) Prod. (ton)
Onion Gaibandha 470 5.30 2491
Kurigram 400 5.30 2120
Lalmonirhat 2160 5.20 11232
Nilphamari 450 5.28 2376
Rangpur 625 5.30 3313
Total 4105 5.25 21532
Chilli Gaibandha 450 4.10 1845
Kurigram 1200 3.18 3816
Lalmonirhat 250 3.25 813
Nilphamari 500 3.80 1900
Rangpur 450 4.10 1845
Total 2850 10219
Garlic Gaibandha 350 3.00 1050
Kurigram 500 3.10 1550
Lalmonirhat 200 3.00 600
Nilphamari 150 2.70 405
Rangpur 200 3.00 600
Total 1400 3.00 4205
Ginger Gaibandha 150 5.60 840
Kurigram 150 5.80 870
Lalmonirhat 150 6.80 1020
Nilphamari 700 7.00 4900
Rangpur 800 6.80 5440
Total 1950 6.70 13070
Turmeric Gaibandha 220 1.60 896
Kurigram 220 1.5 825
Lalmonirhat 225 1.6 928
Nilphamari 530 1.8 2390
Rangpur 550 1.6 2392
Total 1745 1.6 2792
Source: District Statistics -2011, BBS

ix) Tobacco

Tobacco grows extensively in the TBR, except Gaibandha. Lalmonirhat district has the highest
production of tobacco with 14700 tons produced in 8631 ha of land. Tobacco grows in all upazilas in
Lalmonirhat District, with highest coverage in Patgram upazila (2182 ha) and lowest in Lalmonirhat
Sadar (930 ha). Rangpur is the second highest tobacco producer, with 6360 ha and about 9000 tons of
tobacco annually produced. In Rangpur district, Gangachara upazila has the largest coverage of
tobacco (5400 ha), followed by Taragonj (530 ha) and Rangpur Sadar (400 ha). In Nilphamari district,

39
tobacco is cultivated in 5700 ha, with annual production of 8600 tons. With the exception of
Sayedpur upazila, tobacco is grown in all upazilas in Nilphamari district (Table 6.13).

Table 6.13 Tobacco in Teesta Basin

District Area (ha) Production (ton)

Rangpur 6362 8962
Gaibandha 17 31
Kurigram 735 1182
Lalmonirhat 8631 14675
Nilphamari 5667 8594
Total 21412 33444
Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics-2014, BBS

6.2.2 Cropping System and Cropping Patterns

Farmers traditionally practice different cropping patterns in the TBR. The key factors that guide the
selection of diversified cropping patterns are crops and crop varieties, household needs, market
demand and availability of land etc. The dominant patterns are rice-rice, rice-potatoes, wheat-pulses-
rice, and mustard-rice–rice. Rice is grown in single, double, and triple cropping patterns in kharif and
rabi season, depending on inundation land type. Rice in kharif –II and potatoes and vegetables in the
rabi season occupy maximum cultivable areas. During kharif-I Maize, Groundnut, vegetables are
grown with irrigation where needed.

Discussion with farmers, extension staff and other stakeholders revealed that during the recent years,
the area under rice-wheat and rice-rice cropping pattern has declined, while area under rice-
maize/groundnut/potatoes increased. Maize has also being introduced as an inter-crop with one or
more other crops, such as vegetables or potatoes. Banana occupied a significant area in Gaibandha
and gradually expanding in Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts.

FGDs and informal discussions with farmers of Kurigram and Gaibandha disclosed that farmers in the
northwestern region now a days recognized two cropping seasons, one is dry and the other is wet
season. Both aman and boro rice varieties grown in the region are long duration crops and take at least
120 and 150 days respectively. In t.aman - boro pattern they cannot grow three crops. In high land and
medium highland farmers can grow one leafy vegetable between aman and boro rice, but the low and
very low lands remain fallow in the rainy season. In the highland, medium highland and medium
lowland they prefer to grow tobacco instead of boro they can fit three crops per calendar year.

According to FGD participants at Gangachhara upazila, most of the lands are three cropped and
around 20 percent lands are cultivated for two seasons. They have special lands for potatoes/tobacco -
vegetables-aman, and then potato. In highland a few farmers grow potato two times in a season, early
and late potato. After harvesting t. aman (15 November-15 December), rice farmers cultivate potatoes
or tobacco.

Previously, jute was one of the main crops, cultivated during kharif season. Now, a small number of
farmers grow jute, and after boro rice aman rice is the principal crop grown here. In the flood-prone
area, farmers grow t.aman in kharif-II and boro in rabi season. In areas unaffected by flooding, three
crops are grown: (1) t.aman-potatoes/tobacco-maize. In highland condition with irrigation facilities,
farmers grow four crops in a year. Though not yet popular pattern some farmers grow three rice in a

40
single land. For the last 10 years, farmers growing a local rice variety named as barshali in between
boro and aman. Barshali is low duration (90 days) traditional variety after harvesting which late aman
is being cultivated. Now BRRI-28 is replacing the traditional variety barshali. Many farmers grow
soybean in the char land. Information collected through Household Survey, FGDs of formal and
informal discussion with farmers’ representatives, consultation with research and extension personnel
revealed the present cropping practiced in the region as follows (Table-6.14).

Table 6.14 Present Cropping Patterns in the Teesta Region

Cropping Season
Land Type Rabi Kharif-I Kharif-II % of Coverage
High Land Fruits /Sugarcane/ Ginger/ Turmeric/Aroids 3
Potato Jute/Aus T.aman 3
Wheat Jute/Aus T.aman 4
Potato Maize/Fallow T.aman 3
Maize Fallow T.aman 3
Vegetables Aus T.aman 3
Vegetables G.nut T.aman 1
Boro Fallow T.aman 50
Medium Wheat Fallow T.aman 4
High Land Tobacco Maize T.aman 1
Potato-Boro Fallow T.aman 5
Vegetable Jute/Aus T.aman 2
Mustard-Boro Fallow T.aman 2
Potato-Maize Veg./Fallow T.aman 2
Chili/Onion/Garlic Aus/Jute T.aman 1
Potato Vegetables T.aman 3
Medium Pulses Aus T.aman 2
Low Land Vegetables Jute T.aman 2
Mustard Maize Fallow 1
Low Land Vegetables Fallow T.aman 1
Pulses/Mustard Aus Fallow 1
Bottom Boro Fallow Fallow 1
Land Aroids Fallow Fallow 1
Source: Discussion meeting with OFRD, BARI; DAE, sample survey, IFPRI

6.2.3 Crop Agriculture in the Char Lands

Crop production is the main livelihood and most of the households, irrespective of their socio-
economic status in the chars of Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram are dependent on crop agriculture.
Focus Group Discussions organized by the IFPRI study team in Sundargonj, Gaibandha and Ulipur,
Kurigram revealed that in the charlands farmers grow diversified crops. The crops grown in char
lands are, potatoes, chilli, onion, garlic, wheat, maize, pulses, oil crops, in the rabi season and aman
rice in kharif-II. Corchorus capsularis are also grown here during kharif-I season. Many farmers grow
vegetables instead of aman crops.(Appendix-2: Table 4).

41
A good number of high value crops especially pulses, oil crops and species can be grown without
much efforts utilizing natural fertility and low water table for irrigation before seasonal first flood
peaks occur. Social forestry and commercial fodder cultivation has also been successful in some of
the chars. Local boro rice is mainly grown in lowland areas, adjacent to water bodies and major crops.
In the medium and highland areas sugarcane, millet, wheat, sweet potato, groundnut, chilli, grass pea,
legumes, and other crops are grown. During dry periods small irrigation devices irrigate very little
land.

6.2.4 Farm Mechanization and Irrigation Practices

i) Mechanization

Labor crisis in the rural area is negatively impacting agricultural practices and increasing crop
production cost. Agricultural mechanization is not developed as expected. Crop production practices
like land preparation, sowing, weeding, fertilizer application, pesticide spraying and harvesting crops
etc. are characterized by traditional farming methods in the TBR. Small scale mechanization is
increasing though the use of two-wheeled tractors for tillage, hand hoe for weeding, knapsack hand
operated sprayers for pesticide application in the field crops and fruit trees, power thresher for paddy
and wheat and hand operated as well as power sheller for separating maize from the cobs (Table
6.15).

Irrigation area has expanded in the recent decades after privatization of irrigation appliances. But the
agricultural machineries are at the hand of the medium to big farmers. Small farmers due lack of
capital are unable to procure machineries they require. They rent agricultural machineries from the
owners, at the rate fixed by the owner. Present status of farm mechanization is provided in.

Table 6.15 Status of Mechanization in Crop Agriculture

District Number of agricultural machineries

Tractor Power tiller Power thresher
Gaibandha 205 2500 14425
Kurigram 93 3678 7815
Lalmonirhat 189 2742 929
Nilphamari 118 1015 991
Rangpur 388 5029 12144
Total 993 14964 36304
Source: District Statistics-2011, BBS

ii) Irrigation

Teesta Barrage
The Teesta Barrage was constructed at Dalia-Duane point of Lalmonirhat district to provide
supplementary irrigation in kharif-II season along with flood control, drainage and river training
works. Irrigation started from January 1993 in the upper reach where canals were ready with cross
drainage structures in place. Since then the year wise irrigated statistics has been furnished with this
report. The O and M of the project is looked after by the BWDB authority and the irrigation water
distribution and management is looked after by the Water Users Group (WUG), Water Users
Association (WUA) and Water Users Federation (WUF) formed at different level with the Project
beneficiaries.

42
Supplemental irrigation was provided from the TBP with maximum of about 140000 ha in T.aman
crops (Fig-6.1) during 2005-2006. Inequitable withdrawal of river water through upstream
interventions outside Bangladesh creates severe dry season water shortage. Despite the existence of
numerous treaties and agreements, the lack of regional cooperation and absence of local and sub-
national perspectives continue to prevent sustainable development and management of the river’s
resources for livelihood improvement, poverty reduction and most importantly food security.
Supplementary irrigated has now being dropped to less than 20000 ha.

Figure 6.1 Area Irrigated by TBP over the Last 20 Years

Source: Records of BWDB

Minor Irrigation

Irrigation provided by Teesta Barrage Project, BWDB during the last Boro season was 8572 ha only.
A small percentage of farmers in the Teesta basin use surface water for irrigation. Most of the farmers
use minor irrigation devices independent of farm sizes (Appendix 4: Table-2 and 3). Minor irrigation
consists of low lift pumps, shallow tube wells, deep tube wells, manually operated pumps and
traditional systems. As a matter of fact, minor irrigation program/projects are playing significant role
than major irrigation program/projects for producing food grains especially in the Boro season. It is a
low cost technology than major irrigation technology. Shallow Tube Well irrigation is the most
popular method, using more than 75 percent of the marginal and small farmers (Table 6.16; Fig. 6.2).
The table reveals only 52 of the cropped area came under irrigation and out of the total irrigated area
SWTs contribute highest (87 percent) area followed by DWTs (7 percent) and LLP (4 percent).

Table 6.16 Area Irrigated by different Means (ha)

District LLP DTW STW HTW Traditio Irrigated Cropped % of Irrigated

nal Area Area Area
Rangpur 15378 19830 174019 0 405 209632 394982 53
(7%) (9%) (83%) (.1%)
Gaibandha 1619 9713 141643 0 405 153379 286119 54
(1%) (6%) (92%) (.1%)

43
District LLP DTW STW HTW Traditio Irrigated Cropped % of Irrigated
nal Area Area Area
Kurigram 3238 8094 107244 1214 3238 123027 258600 48
(3%) (7%) (87%) (1%) (1.25%)
Nilphamari 4047 6475 115338 2833 4047 132740 252934 52
(3%) (5%) (87%) (2.1%) (1.6%)
Lalmonirhat 6880(7 3238 84581 0 405 95103 178875 53
%) (3%) (89%) (.23%)
Total 31161 47349 622825 4047 8499 713881 1371510 52
(4%) (7%) (87%) (.57%) (.62%)
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics-2014, BBS

The groundwater quality of the North

West hydrological region is good for
irrigation in terms of mineralization.
Generally, organic matter content in the
subsoil is high and lime content in parent
material is low. Consequently, the
groundwater is generally acidic, has a
negative redox (reduced oxygen)
potential and has the capacity to maintain
relatively high concentrations of heavy
metals in solution under anaerobic
conditions (particularly iron and
manganese). Again, the SAR values of
this area do not exceed limiting values. Figure 6.2 Irrigation Coverage in TBR by Modes

Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics-2014, BBS

6.3 Fisheries

The great river Teesta and other associated rivers and the flood plains once offered unique
opportunities for inland fisheries and aquaculture in the region. Hundreds and thousands of rural
people were engaged in fishing and took it as livelihood. But days have changed. With the drying up
of Teesta and associated rivers, khals, oxbow lakes, etc. due to natural and man made causes capture
fishery is severely threatened. Present production practices are provided in the following paragraphs.

Pond Aquaculture: Pond fishery is very popular in TBR especially for the year round Carp
Polyculture, Carp Golda Poly Culture, monoculture and Cat fish Culture for the major species of Rui,
Catla, Mrigel, Silver carp, Big head Carp, Silver Carp, Common Carp, Kalibaus, Tilapia, Pangus, Koi,
Golda, Singhi, Magur, Pabda and Gulsha.

Inland Open water bodies: The practices Cage Culture, Pen Culture, Beel Nuresry, Establishment of
Fish Sanctuary and Fingerling stocking is gradually increasing in TBR for creating employment
opportunity and additional income.

Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM): As a socio-eco-friendly initiative CBOs has

been introducing by Gov in TBR is significantly increases the beel fisheries, sanctuary establishment,
pen culture, cage culture and fingerling stocking.

44
Table 6.17 Water Resources in the TBR (Area in ha)

Fish
District Flood
River Beel Culture in Pond Khal Total
Name Plain
Paddy field
Rangpur 4184 1513 9946 1536 3942 176 21297
Nilphamari 5066 1164 5490 239 2902 271 15130
Gaibandha 1047 3214 1013 774 3088 127 9264
Kaurigram 22549 1383 9478 995 3699 501 38605
Lalmonirhat 1696 918 3043 112 2457 136 8362
Total 34542 8192 28969 3655 16087 1211 92657
Source: DoF, 2015

According to recent statistics of the department of fisheries, total fish production in the region is about
85572 tons (Table 6.18). Rangpur district is highest (22706 tons) in total fish production followed by
Kurigram (21265 tons). Pond and floodplains are major sources of fish production in the region.
There is appreciable growth in pond fisheries and contribute about 60 percent (51,360 tons) of the
total production followed by floodplain fisheries 28 percent (23535 tons).

Table 6.18 Sector-wise Fish Production in Inland Water Bodies

(Production in MT)
cultured water

Sl. District

Cage culture
prawn farm
Flood plain

no. Pen culture

Seasonal

Shrimp/
River

Total
Pond

body
Beel

1. Rangpur 55 1451 5919 12855 2425 1 0 0 22706

2. Gaibandha 468 350 5353 11010 992 1 21 2 18197

3. Kurigram 552 771 6903 11222 1804 1 12 0 21265

4. Lalmonirhat 77 311 1775 7462 918 5 75 35 10658

5. Nilphamari 75 171 3585 8811 103 1 0 0 12746

Total 1227 3054 23535 51360 6242 9 108 37 85572

(1%) (4%) (28%) (60%) (7%) (0.01%) (0.13%) (0.04%)

Source: Fisheries Statistical Report of Bangladesh -DoF, 2015.

Distribution fisheries by source have been provided in the figure-6.3. reveals that highest fish
production is coming from pond culture (60 %) followed by flood plain fisheries (28 %). River fishery
contributes only 1 percent.

45
 Figure 6.3 Sector-wise fish production in 2013-14
Source: DoF, 2015

6.4 Livestock

Livestock comprising of cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, etc., constituting an important part of the national
economy and food security. Present status of livestock and poultry population has been provided in
the table 6.19 and 6.20.The area has cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep and some pigs and horses. There are
6.37 million cattle, 0.10 million buffalo, 4.12 million goat, 0.56 million sheep, 0.01 million other
livestock (pigs, horses) and 28.82 million chicken and 5.56 million ducks in the region. It accounts
for only 10.9 percent of the total land area of the country but it houses 34 percent of country’s large
ruminants, 34 percent of small ruminants and 24 percent of poultry population of the country.
Concentration of large ruminant (400 vs. 166 per km2), small ruminant (289 vs. 190 per km2) and
poultry (2124 vs. 1944 per km2) were 141 percent, 52 percent and 9 percent higher respectively, than
the national level. Further, there are variation in concentration of livestock and poultry among
districts, with the highest concentration of large ruminant in Nilphamari (580 per km2)

Table 6.19 Livestock Population in the TBR (2015) (A)

Districts Ruminant Livestock (‘000) Poultry (‘000)

Cattle Buffalo Goat Sheep Others Chicken Duck
Rangpur 1141 5 589 96 0 3492 7748
Gaibandha 863 10 574 178 1 2942 1147
Kurigram 568 10 242 178 1 2736 1138
Lalmonirhat 449 9 249 13 0 3515 140
Nilphamari 889 8 420 41 1 1721 239
Regional 3910 (17%) 42 (3%) 2074 505 3 14406 (6%) 10413
Total (8%) (16%) (23%)
Bangladesh 23190 1440 25120 3080 0 242870 45700
Source: BLRI, 2015

46
 Table 6.20 Livestock and Poultry Concentration by District
Concentration (Number/Sq.
Livestock population (-000-)
km)
Locality

Poultry

Poultry
Rumin

Rumin

Rumin

Rumin
Small

Small
Large

Large
ant

ant

ant

ant
Rangpur 1150 680 11240 483 317 4742
Lalmonirhat 460 260 3650 367 210 2930
Kurigram 580 420 3870 252 183 1687
Nliphamari 900 460 1960 580 297 1267
Gaibandha 870 750 4090 413 356 1933
Regional total 6470 4680 34370 400 289 2124
Bangladesh 24630 28200 288570 166 190 1944
Source: BLRI, 2015

6.4.1 Livestock Farming System

i) Traditional Livestock Farming

Traditional livestock rising rarely form a separate land-use system in Rangpur than most of the area of
Bangladesh. There is a little waste in this system, nutrient is recycled and there is a minimal
dependence on outside inputs of energy and nutrients. As a result Bangladesh has a very low carbon
emission (0.9 ton/head/year) rate at the global level (World Resources Institute, 2000). There are
basically two categories of dairy farming, e.g., subsistence level small scale mixed dairy farming,
small-scale commercial dairy farming, and moderate sized peri-urban dairy farming in the region. A
separate category of dairying is newly emerging as contract farming for milk processors like Rangpur
Dairy (RD), Pran Dairy, Aarong Dairy and Milk Vita. Goat and sheep rearing in Rangpur region is
mostly at a subsistence level but with increasing interest on raising flock-size through semi-intensive
farming.The intensive system of dairy farming is characterized by zero-grazing, with 2–10 cows, and
the application of stall-feeding systems using large amounts of purchased concentrates, rice straw
(treated with urea and molasses) and green fodder. This system uses a substantial amount of hired
labour, is well linked to the formal market and uses more cross-bred cows.

Intensive farmers have more access to AI, veterinary, extension and marketing services than do semi-
intensive or traditional farms. The success of this dairy production system is closely related to the
efficient use of available support services. Majority (53 percent) of the dairy farmers have taken
dairying as their main business and the rest as side-business, majority (77 percent) of them have over
one acres of land holding, most of them (83 percent) have access to financial services either from
bank or NGO in addition to their own fund. Nearly 85 percent of dairy cow of small-scale dairy
farmer is cross-bred (mostly Friesian cross) and 90 percent of them have access to artificial
insemination and preventive veterinary services. Almost 100 percent of animals are tied up 24 hours a
day with intermittent access to feed and water. 63 percent animals are stall-fed but have access to
varying levels of green grass and 60 percent dairy farmers cultivate high yielding variety of fodder by
themselves.

In this small-scale dairy farmer productive and reproductive performance of both indigenous and
crossbred cow is much less than their actual potentiality. It is found that cross-bred cows produce
3.38 times higher milk than indigenous cow (358 kg/lactation), but cross-bred required more services

47
per conception than indigenous cow. Recent data from author’s own observation showed that average
milk yield of cross-bred cows small scale dairy unit is now 5.5 lit/d with a lactation length of 235 days
and lactation yield of 1292 lit/d. Some recent studies shown that the return on investment for
individual dairy cow in Bangladesh which is about 18 percent of total investment which is better than
beef fattening (6 percent).

Table 6.21 General Characteristics of Small Scale Dairy Farm

Sl. Parameter (n = 30 dairy farms) Proportion

No
1 Dairy farming as main business 53%
2 Dairy farming as side business 47%
3 Land holding (acres)
0 -0.5 7%
0.5 -1 17%
1-2 57%
2-5 13%
5+ 7%
4 Received training on dairying 13%
5 Herd size (number)
1-3 7%
4-8 30%
9-15 47%
16-30 13%
30+ 3%
6 Funding
Own source 10%
Financial institution (Bank/NGO) 7%
Own + Financial institution (Bank/NGO) 83%
7 Indigenous: Cross-bred cattle in the farm 68%
8 Herd Composition
Pregnant + lactating cow 42%
Dry cow 8%
Heifer 13%
Yearling bull 7%
Calf 30%
9 Breeding System
Artificial Insemination (AI) only 87%
AI + Natural breeding 13%
10 Milk marketing
Goala 17%
Local market 13%
Sweet meat shop 20%
Home service 20%
Own selling center 30%
11 Deworming and Vaccination 100%
12 Housing

48
 Sl. Parameter (n = 30 dairy farms) Proportion
No
Open house with continuously tied animal 80%
Close house with continuously tied animal 13%
Semi-close house with continuously tied animal 7%
13 Feeding
Stall feeding 63%
Stall feeding + tethering 37%
14 Fodder cultivation 60%
Source: Reviews FGD and Consultation

Table 6.22 Profitability of Dairy Cow Rearing Under Small-scale Dairy Farming Condition

6.1 Parameter Beef fattening Cow rearing

6.2 Return (Tk) 28750 24333
6.3 By product (Tk) 1702 20456
6.4 Gross Return (Tk) 30452 44790
6.5 Variable Cost (Tk) 31517 36243
6.6 Total Cost (Tk) 32347 37447
6.7 Gross Margin (Tk) -1065 8547
6.8 Net return (Tk) -1895 7342
6.9 Net return on total cost (%) -6 18
Source: Reviews FGD and Consultation

ii) Beef Fattening

With increasing demand for quality red meat together with religious and social events, cattle fattening
has become a distinct livestock-rearing pattern across the country including the TBR. Beef cattle
fattening has become an important seasonal business among the small farmers and small-scale
commercial beef cattle farmers in Bangladesh. Generally, 2-3 years old bull calves reared for 4-12
months in intensive feed-lot system. Straw (mostly untreated) supplemented with concentrate forms
the main feed items in feed lot. Studies in BLRI have shown that local improved types of cattle
(Pabna or RCC) or their cross (Brahma x local) can maintain a decent growth rate (0.5-0.7 kg/d) and
feed conversion ratio (FCR; 9-12 kg feed/kg gain) to make a profit margin in beef fattening business
(Personal communication B.K. Roy, BLRI). Feed lot experience in Bengal Meat shows that Friesian-
cross bull can maintain and an average growth rate of 0.7 kg/d (range 0.5-1.2 kg/d) under standard
management and feeding. This means that performance and profitability of beef-fattening can
significantly improve even with available genotype of cattle.

iii) Buffalo Farming

Buffalo are generally kept in around the river basin area of TBR, with holding size ranges between 1-
2 buffalo. They are primarily kept for draft or cart pulling in Rangpur region where milk is an
additional product. During the wet months (July-November) buffaloes are stall-fed on crop residue
with little supplements of concentrate and green grasses. During the dryer months (December to June)
buffaloes are generally shifted to river char, where they graze on vegetation of the char land. Unless in

49
river basin area of Rangpur, possibility of buffalo as milk animal is minimum and its potentiality as
draft animal is decreasing with increasing use of motor-vehicles in the area.

iv) Goat Farming

Nearly 16 percent of National goats are reared in Rangpur division with the higher concentration in
Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur districts. Goat production here is subsistence type having flock
size of 1-3 goats, mostly Black Bengal goat. They are tethered in roadsides, embankments, field
boundaries, communal land, seasonal fallow land or harvested fallow land and forest edges. They
hardly receive any supplemental concentrate but may have access to tree leaves like Artocarpus
hetrophyllus, Leucaena leucocephela, Mangifera indica, Acacia arabica, Erythrina indica, Odina
wodier etc. Growing fodder crops for goat production is not common in this country although it has
such potentiality especially during the wet months.

v) Sheep Farming

Sheep farming is mainly concentrated in the Gaibandha, Kurigram districts but also found in other
districts of the region. Almost all sheep are reared under small scale (2-6 sheep/holding) subsistence
farming. Their production system is similar to goat as they also mostly tethered in road-sides,
embankments, field boundaries, communal land and in seasonal fellow or harvested fellow land. They
may not receive any supplemental concentrate but may have access to tree leaves. Growing fodder
crops for sheep production is not common in this country although it has such potentiality especially
for the stall fed sheep. This kind of Bengal sheep also is the latest sensations in the world of domestic
species by virtue of its prolificacy, lambing frequency, disease resistance and other extraordinary
merits rarely or not even observed in other sheep breeds of the world. The sheep is very popular for its
bi-annual lambing, multiple birth, grazing on aquatic weeds and grass in knee-deep water and disease
resistance characters. They are small in size; produce rough wool, good quality skin, manure and low
fat mutton. Milk is having no importance as the quantity is too less to feed its lamb. Despite its high
genetic merit, subsistence rearing of Bengal Sheep can hardly explore its full genetic potentiality. As
is in case of Black Bengal goat semi-intensive rearing of Bengal sheep also results better growth rate
(60-80 g/d), higher fecundity (2-3 lamb per birth), better lamb survivability (95 percent) and higher
carcass weight (7-8 kg).

vi) Poultry Farming in TBR

There are 28.82 million chicken and 5.52 million ducks in Rangpur division which constitute 12
percent of national chicken flock (243 million) and 12 percent of National duck flock (45 million).
Like everywhere in Bangladesh there are two types of poultry production systems a)
unorganized/backyard/traditional scavenging system and b) organized Commercial system.
Commercial broiler, layer and Sonali chicken rearing is slowly taking off after the 2007-08 Bird-Flue
(Avian Influenza) shockwave, which had almost eradicated the mini-commercial poultry farm in this
region. Duck rearing has special importance in the Teesta-Brahmaputra-Dharla-Dudkumar basin area
of Rangpur division. Kurigram is believed to be the home of Nageswari duck, which is an important
Avian Genetic Resources (AvGR) of Bangladesh.

The unorganized/backyard/traditional scavenging system has some features which distinguish it from
the commercialized intensive and semi-scavenging units. These backyard units require minimum
inputs and directly contribute to the social and economic development of the family who rear them.
They have little impact on environment and are highly integrated in the crop livestock system, which

50
makes them sustainable under the prevailing socio-economic conditions. Women and children
generally remain in charge of this poultry rearing system. Birds are left to scavenge during the day
and put in improvised shelter at night. Low level of supplementation in the form of kura (rice bran)
are provided in the morning and evening only. However, during the time of crop harvesting and
processing, they get additional supplementation of grains. The level of production of these birds is
very low compared to those under high inputs system. A scavenging hen lays, on average, 45 to 50
eggs per year. Mortality is especially high due to New Castle, Fowl Cholera, and many other
infectious diseases.

6.5 Marketing System and Value Chains

6.5.1 Crop Productions and Marketed Surplus in The Region

Per farm cereal production for rice and maize was almost similar but for wheat it was much less
(Table 6.11), potato production was highest followed by non-leafy vegetables.

Figure 6.23 Agro-commodity Markets in TBR

District Growth Center Formal Market

Rangpur 57 231
Gaibandha 41 252
Kurigram 76 211
Nilphamari 25 144
Lalmonirhat 23 131
Total 222 969
Source: DAM, 2015

Around 9 percent of total boro rice and 11 percent of total aman rice production of Bangladesh came
from the region in 2015 (Tables 6.19 and 6.20. The total market surplus of rice, wheat. maize, potato,
vegetable, jute, tobacco, onion and ginger were 521, 29, 181, 1081, 28682, 584605, 21. 20 and 14
thousand tons respectively. Rice is mostly produced for home consumption and in average 16 percent
of the output is being marketed; the medium and large farms marketed nearly one-third of the
produce. The bulk amount of the outputs of wheat. maize and potato is being marketed as cash crops.
It was found from FGDs, and KIIs that productions of high value crops (maize, potato, tobacco,
vegetables, chili, etc.) have been increased in the TBR through intensive cultivation and using
improved varieties and marketed output being increased. A number of factors could be adduced to this
market orientation on the part of the rural households, (a) an increase in land productivity resulting
from new technology helped households reap a better harvest from the same amount of land; and (b)
improvements in communications - including telecommunications, and media - has widened the base
of market information and increased outputs for the markets. This is not unusual given that, most of
these are perishable products and traded for cash income. Farmers usually meet their non-food
demands by selling these commodities. Potato is a particular case where substantial expansion of
marketing has taken place because of the fact that cold storage facilities expanded, modern varieties
was introduced, and cultivation of potato spreaded in the region. The farmers of some places are
cultivating two potato crops from the same land. High price of early potato is the main reason of
cultivated two potato crops. Due to population increase as well as urbanization, it is expected that
domestic marketing of rice and vegetables will increase even further in the future.

51
Recent survey reveals production of different crops per farm. Marginal farms produce 800 kg of rice
while large farms producing 4960 kg per farm. For all sizes of farm the production varies from 2016
to 50 kg (Table 6.24). Marketed surplus rates (percent) of crops have been shown in table 6.25, 6.26,
6.27 of the respondent households: direct

Table 6.23 Crop produced (kg/farm) by the sample households in 2015 in Teesta Basin Region,
by farm size

Farm size groups

Item All
Marginal Small Medium Large
Rice 800 2026 4089 4960 2016
Wheat 131 279 533 393 302
Maize 644 1688 3048 4932 2052
Potatoes 825 2137 3697 3523 2361
Non Leafy Veg 117 238 484 516 282
Leafy Veg 20 57 20 165 50
Fruits 142 131 446 239 183
Tobacco 164 358 700 1248 413
Byproducts 750 1754 2387 3014 1568
Source: Household survey of IFPRI, 2015
Table 6.24 Marketed surplus rates (percent) of crops of the respondent households: direct (sold)

Item Marketed surplus rates (percent) of crops All

Marginal Small Medium Large
Rice 6.8 16.9 25.9 33.3 16.1
Wheat 51.1 68.6 60.9 97 66.3
Maize 74.4 55.4 69 68.4 63.6
Potatoes 69.8 65.6 54.6 46.4 61.4
Non Leafy Veg 8.2 15.6 28.3 27.1 18.4
Leafy Veg 14.3 24 13.4 37.1 19.7
Fruits 2.5 3.2 13.6 0 4.4
Tobacco 94.6 87.6 100 80 90.1
Byproducts 6.5 5.4 6.9 8 6.1
Source: Household survey of IFPRI, 2015

Table 6.25 Marketed Surplus of Crops in TBR and Bangladesh in 2011-12

Marketed surplus (thousand ton)

Crops
TBR % Bangladesh
Rice:
Aus 0.32 0.1 373
Aman 226 11.0 2048
Boro 295 9.8 2997
Wheat 29 4.3 660
Maize 181 21.9 826

52
 Marketed surplus (thousand ton)
Crops
TBR % Bangladesh
Potato 1081 21.5 5038
Pulses 2.4 1.3 192
Vegetables 28682 6.0 481336
Jute (bales) 584605 7.3 8003023
Tobacco 20.9 27.4 77
Chili 3.6 3.2 113
Oil seed 0.3 0.1 290
Onion 19.8 1.9 1043
Garlic 3.6 1.7 211
Turmeric 2.7 2.0 135
Ginger 13.5 20.8 65
Coriander 0.2 2.0 9
Sugarcane 225 5.4 4143
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics, 2015 and author’s estimation

Table 6.26 Marketed Surplus Rates (Percent) of the Respondent Households Services
Item Marketed surplus rates (percent) All
Marginal Small Medium Large
Rice 12.1 13.8 12.6 0.0 11.9
Wheat 11.4 7.5 16.7 0.0 9.2
Maize 5.2 8.9 7.3 0.0 6.5
Potatoes 2.0 3.8 5.7 0.0 3.1
Non Leafy Veg 0.0 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.5
Leafy Veg 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Fruits 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Tobacco 5.4 8.7 0.0 0.0 6.3
Byproducts 0.9 2.0 0.0 0.0 1.3
Source: Household survey of IFPRI, 2015

6.5.2 Farm Level Rice Stock

Based on household level information, we observed that farmers have considerable food stock holding
capacity that is hardly taken into account by policy makers and researchers. We also notice that all
classes of farmers keep food stocks to tide over bad days. Field survey shows that output held in stock
was 12 per cent of the output produced before amon harvest (lean season) and about 22 per cent of the
output of one month after boro harvest (peak season). Quite expectedly perhaps, the level of stock is
related to farm size. For example, large and medium groups keep 22-30 percent of total harvest as
stock against 18-19 percent by the poor groups (Table 6.28).

Table 6.27 Household Level Paddy Stockholding Capacity, 2008-2014

Farm size 2008 2014

Storage % Stored Storage % Stored
Capacity Slack Peak Capacity Slack
Peak Season
(ton) Season Season (ton) Season
Up to 0.4 1.69 12 18 1.59 5 10

53
 Farm size 2008 2014
Storage % Stored Storage % Stored
Capacity Slack Peak Capacity Slack
Peak Season
(ton) Season Season (ton) Season
0.40-1.0 3.29 10 19 3.06 8 10
1.0-2.0 6.71 10 22 6.88 19 10
Above 2.0 13.94 10 30 9.04 8 10
Total 2.48 12 22 2.60 10 10
Source: BRAC, Household Survey 2014

6.5.3 Harvest Sales

The farmers sell total output immediately after harvest, and how much stock they would keep depends
on the expectation about future prices. It was found that sales within one month of the harvest
increased from 49 percent to 63 percent over time. Interestingly, poor farmers (≤ 0.40 ha) have
reduced distress sales over time, although in absolute terms, they still sell roughly two-thirds of output
immediately after the harvest. This can be compared with about 50 percent of the large and the
medium farmers (Table 6.29). Usually the medium and large farms sell a smaller proportion of their
crops at harvest than small and marginal farms, because the former group has higher economic
capacity for holding stocks. Or, it may be so that solvent farmers could wait for the fortune from the
market-swings. Second, the proportion of output sold at harvest – and for all classes of farmers - has
increased over time. This is particularly true for recent years because the price margin for sales later
in the season has declined. However, at periods of rising prices, larger farmers would hold more in
stocks in the expectation of getting better prices.

Table 6.28 Incidence of sales within one month of harvest (% of total sales)

Farm size (ha) 1988 2000 2004 2008

≤0.4 76 56 65 65
6.1 0.4-1.0 55 53 59 57
6.2 1.0-2.0 52 39 58 66
>2.0 42 22 53 40
6.3 Total 49 39 58 63
Source: BRAC, Household Survey 2014

6.5.4 Comparative advantage and competitiveness in crops productions

Economic returns and domestic resource costs (DRCs) of MV rice and non-rice crops have been
estimated for owner farmers and sharecroppers of the region at the import and export parity price for
the production year 2014 (Table 6.30).

In 2014 all three MV rice varieties had competitiveness and comparative advantage at import and
export parity prices for both owner operators and share croppers. The region also has competitiveness
of production of pulses, potato, onion, maize, vegetables, chili and garlic for both the owner operators
and sharecroppers. So, there is good scope for crop diversification in the region. While sugarcane has
comparative advantage for import substitution only for the owner operators. While looking at the
export possibility it was observed that the region has comparative advantage of export of potato,

54
onion, maize, vegetables and chili for the owner operator and it has also comparative advantage for
potato, onion, maize, vegetables and chili for the share croppers.

Table 6.29 Financial and economic profitability, and DRC of modern variety (MV) rice and
non-rice crops in Bangladesh in 2014

Crops Net economic return (Tk /ha) Domestic resource costs (DRC)
Import parity Export parity Import parity Export parity
Owner Share- Owner Share- Owner Share- Owner Share-
Cropper Cropper Cropper Cropper
Rice:
MV Aus 72025 47537 43882 28962 0.47 0.28 0.69 0.41
MV Aman 72729 48001 44861 29608 0.25 0.26 0.36 0.38
MV Boro 101066 66704 59393 39199 0.30 0.35 0.45 0.51
Non-rice:
Wheat 66464 43866 31058 16399 0.29 0.35 0.93 1.13
Jute 103797 0.37 0.50
Sugarcane 71252 47026 43847 27404 0.49 0.67 1.18 1.14
Oil seeds 17345 11448 25383 8376 0.78 1.18 0.85 1.62
Pulses 52463 34625 24029 12014 0.58 0.78 1.04 1.10
Potato 635447 419395 195310 145245 0.10 0.30 0.25 0.40
Onion 215393 142159 1223833 807727 0.50 0.60 0.87 0.72
Maize 139637 92160 52201 68905 0.28 0.38 0.66 0.74
Vegetable 854686 564093 148006 83384 0.10 0.22 0.44 0.75
Chili 171434 113146 85717 148388 0.42 0.60 0.84 0.79
Garlic 170090 112259 850454 92016 0.59 0.85 1.12 1.25
Source: BRAC Household Survey 2014 and Author;s calculation

6.5.5 Existing markets of agricultural produces

Agricultural outputs markets in the TBR can be classified as primary market, secondary market and
terminal markets. Usually large number of intermediaries operates in the agricultural markets. The
primary markets are small local markets. These type of markets opens usually twice a week. Petty
traders, known as Faria, operate in these markets. They purchase directly from the farmers and
assemble the produce. They perform some important marketing functions like sorting, grading,
packaging and transportation. They sell outputs to the Beparis or whole sellers in the same markets or
in the secondary markets at the Upazila level. The secondary markets are situated in the Upazila level;
size of the market is much bigger that the local markets. Also number of sellers and buyers are large.
Usually large number of Farias and Beparis operates in these markets and daily volume of outputs
traded are also high. The farmers and Farias assemble outputs from surrounding villages. Secondary
markets are well communicated with district markets and terminal markets at Dhaka

6.5.6 Agro-commodity Markets Developed by DAM

The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) has established 18 markets in the Teesta region,
out of which 6 are in Rangpur, 5 in Nilphamari, 3 in each Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha and only one in
Kurigram (Table 6.31). These markets include wholesale areas, retail areas and women corners.
Although established about decade ago out of 441 shops constructed in those markets only less than
50 percent shops are allotted to the traders. Furthermore a good number of these markets are not

55
functioning and cause of non-operation is obscured. A few refrigerated covered vans were also
procured for prompting marketing of perishable commodities in Dhaka, other places as well as for
export. Unfortunately the system has not functioned and the vans are lying idle at Hortex Foundation.

Table 6.30 Status of Agro-commodity Markets Developed by DAM in the Region

Sl.No District No. of No. of No. of Shops Current Status Of

Markets available not allotted Functioning The Markets
Shops Functioning Closed
1 Rangpur 6 108 54 4 2
2 Kurigram 1 20 20 0 1
3 Nilphamari 5 140 30 5 0
4 Lalmonirhat 3 100 49 3 0
5 Gaibandha 3 73 27 3 0
Total 18 441 180 15 3
Source: DAM, 2015

56
 7 .0 CHALLENGES CONFRONTING AGRICULTURE

Despite the TBR’s favorable conditions, the area is now severely confronted with multiple barriers for
agricultural development. These are dominance of smallholders and shrinking of land base, alarming
reduction of surface water and intensifying climate change vulnerability manifesting severe stress in
rabi and kharif-I seasons. The rivers and canals are mostly dried up with severe distortion of fish
habitats and gradual decline of floodplain fisheries. Narrowing opportunity for livestock development
and for producing forages and livestock feed and stuff. The area is characterized by poor market link
and little value chain activities to support production and processing of high value agro-commodities.
Sub-sectoral challenges are briefly presented in the following paragraphs.

7.1 Crop Agriculture

The sub-sector is constrained by several factors directly linked with production and productivity.
These are land scarcity, low level of soil fertility, lack of capital for investment in farming, farmers’
access to technologies, labor crisis, and finally lack of incentives due to improper marketing facilities
etc. Major constraints are:

7.1.1 Land Scarcity

The TBR is comparatively poorer region in respect of resources for cultivation. It is one of the
poverty stricken areas where more than 60 percent of the rural population falls below poverty line.
Rural people basically rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and where more than 80 percent
farmers own only 17 percent of the land resources. Land resource constraint limits further horizontal
expansion of the cropped area. Again rapid increase in population is fueling land fragmentation and
land occupation for non-agricultural purposes and increasing the process of landlessness. Purposive
visits in the region and discussions with local farmers revealed that almost all cultivable land has
already brought under cultivation and farmers are producing 2-3 crops and in some cases even 4
crops in a single plot of land raising cropping intensity around 200 percent. During the last couple of
decades cropped area expanded steadily with the expansion of irrigated area, especially through
groundwater exploitation. Crop scientists and development actors claim that there is practically no
prospect of increasing the cropped area by more than 10-15 percent over the next couple of decades.
Land scarcity further deteriorates with increased prices and is constrained by three factors:

 Expected production to meet the increased needs in future;

 High valuation of land as an asset perceived by people; and
 Inability to increase land under cultivation combined with steady encroachment of urban
areas, human settlements and infrastructure.

7.1.2 Low Level of Soil Fertility

The region’s soil has low to medium nutrient and organic matter content. Extensive crop cultivation
without adding the recommended dose of organic manure and chemical fertilizer further deteriorates
the fertility level of soil and its productivity. Soil fertility status under different agro-ecological zones
of the Teesta Basin is presented in Table 7.1.

57
Table 7.1 : Soil Fertility Status of Teesta Basin Region
Nutrient Status
AEZ Soil OM N P K S Ca Mg Zn B Mo
AEZ-2 L VL-L L L-M L L L-M L L L-M
L VL-L L-M L-M L L L L L L-M
AEZ-3 L VL-L L-M M L L L L L L-M
L L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M M
AEZ-7 L L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M M
VL-L VL-L L-M L-M L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M
AEZ-25 VL-L VL-L L-M L-M L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M
VL-L VL-L L-M L-M L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M
AEZ-27 VL-L VL-L L-M L-M L L-M L-M L-M L-M L-M
Note: AEZ-2: Active Teesta Floodplain (83644 ha); AEZ-3 Teesta Meander Floodplain (946803 ha);
AEZ-7: Active Brahmaputra-Jamuna Floodplain (319000 ha); AEZ-25: Level Barind Tract;
AEZ-27: North Eastern Barind Tract (107926 ha)
L= Low; M=Medium; VL-Very Low
Source: Fertilizer recommendation guide, BARC, 2012

FGDs in Sundargonj upazila disclosed that soil nutrient content in Gaibandha district is depleting day-
by-day. Farmers reported increasing deficiency of micronutrients in soil, especially sulfur, boron,
molybdenum and zinc in their crop fields. They also stated that prolonged and excessive pumping of
ground water for irrigation in the crop field further deteriorates soil quality with iron contamination.

7.1.3 Imbalanced Fertilizer Use

Statistics on crop production and fertilizer use shows that the farmers are applying less fertilizer
against recommendations imbalanced proportion of other fertilizers. Present ratio of major plant
nutrient use is N:P:K = 1: 0.41:0.39 and dominated by nitrogen, where N:P and N:K ratios are higher
( Table 7.2). Imbalance fertilizer is one of the dominant causes of nutrient depletion in the region.
Fertilizer recommendation for P2O5 and K2O are in the range of 3-4 times of the present application.
The real problem in increasing yield is to increase total fertilizer volume at correct ratios.

Table 7.2 Plant Nutrient Applied during 2011 in Teesta Region

District Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Rangpur 47234 26298 31500
Gaibandha 32086 10643 8564
Kurigram 29296 7901 4653
Nilphamari 22978 8619 8072
Lalmonirhat 23184 9781 7856
Total 154777 63244 60645
Source: District Statistics-2011, BBS and Calculation by the Consultant

7.1.4 Indiscriminate Use Chemical Pesticides for Pest Management

58
Farmers are using chemical pesticides indiscriminately for pest control. In most cases they are
provoked by the promotional activities of private companies. Excessive pesticides use in the food
crops, especially in vegetables and fruits emerged as threats to human health and environment as well
as increasing cultivation cost.

7.1.5 Maximum Post-harvest Loss

Post-harvest losses of crops are high Bangladesh (Table 7.3). According to Bangladesh Agricultural
Research Institute (BARI), postharvest losses may be 12-15 percent for rice, and around 25 percent in
non-rice crops (Assaduzzaman, et. el. 2010). Available estimation of post harvest loss of crops is in
the range of 20 percent. Such high degree of losses constitutes theoretically high potential for loss
reductions. Consultation with BARI and BRRI scientists revealed that through management practices
12-15 percent loss in rice and around 25 percent in non-rice crops could be reduced. This will,
however, require inputs technology development, training and extension activities.

Table 7.3: Postharvest Losses of Major Crops

Sl. Food crops Production Loss (%) Total losses Cost/kg Total loss
No. (million tons) (million tons) (million Tk.)
1 Rice 29.75 12 3.57 8 28,560
2 Wheat 0.77 13 0.1 8 8,000
3 Maize 0.78 13 0.05 5 475
4 Pulses 0.56 15 0.08 25 2,075
5 Oil seeds 0.55 15 0.08 20 1,640
6 Spices 1.46 15 0.22 10 2,200
7 Vegetables 8.75 30 2.62 4 10,492
8 Fruits 7.88 25 1.97 9 17,721
9 Potato 5.37 20 1.07 8 8,592
10 Sweet potato 0.72 20 0.15 3 435
11 Sugarcane 3.51 20 0.7 2 1,404
Total 600 107 - 81,594
Source: Post-harvest Technology Division of BARI

7.1.6 Depletion of Irrigation Water Sources

Northern part of Bangladesh is now affected by water scarcity. Teesta Barrage constructed on Teesta
River at Dalia in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district in 1979, having a discharge capacity of
12,750 cusec of water. It has been used to divert 280 cusec of water for irrigation through a canal
taking off on the right bank. Construction of the irrigation canals started in 1984 and was completed
in 1997-98. It was an ambitious project with great hope and aspiration but the continuous decline of
water flow due to upstream withdrawal threatened the hydro-morphological condition of the region
and as a result the canals are lying almost useless. Furthermore, river Teesta, Dharala, Dudhkumar
and their tributaries are mostly dried up limiting surface water irrigation. In some area ground water
depletion is severe.

As mentioned earlier water withdrawal is increasing in the upper riparian part of the river Teesta. The
government of India has constructed a good number of dams to produce hydro-electricity. Because of
this multifarious use, water flow of river Teesta is reducing day by day in Bangladesh part. When
during dry season water flow of river Teesta was about 6500 cusec in 1997, it has reduced to 1,348

59
cusec and 700 cusec in 2006 and 2014 respectively. During our visit to Teesta region in the mid-
March 2015, we found further reduction in flow which was alarming 250 cusec only against our
requirement of 4000 cusec to grow HYV boro rice in TBP area. In a study conducted by the Centre
for Advanced Studies, during the period from 2006-2007 to 2013-2014 found about 4.2 million tons
of boro rice yield, worth of Tk. 8 billion in the Teesta Irrigation Project area due to scarcity of water.

7.1.7 Increasing Intensity of Floods

Though situated at an elevation of 41 meter above sea level, due to its geographical location at the
foot of the Himalayan, the TBR is prone to natural and regular flooding. During monsoon season,
heavy rainfall in the basin area and at upper catchment cause regular flooding in the region. Due to
enhanced melting of glaciers, large volume of water flow down the rivers and heavy monsoon rainfall
concomitant with poor drainage due to silted up rivers often results in devastating floods in the region.
The region relies on this annual inundation to support crop cultivation in the floodplain area.
Flashflood is also a problem in the TBR, particularly in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha
districts and cause heavy loss of properties and standing crops, livestock and fish stocks.

7.1.8 River Bank Erosion

River bank erosion is rampant in areas along the active channels of the river Jamuna, and the Teesta
of the region. Bank erosion is caused by mechanized river traffic and/ or channel diversion during the
rainy season. River bank erosion causes extensive loss of land, crops and households and accelerates
migration of landless and uprooted rural populace to urban areas. This has created an unchangeable
chronic socio-economic problem.

7.1.9 Climate Change Stresses

The crop production in the region is threatened due to upcoming problems like extreme temperature,
frequent natural disasters like prolonged floods, shortage of surface water, high pressure on ground
water, etc. due to hydrological imbalance. Climatic variables (e.g., rainfall, temperature, humidity and
evapotranspiration) and seasonal variation negatively affect crop agriculture in the region. Less total
precipitation compared to total evapotranspiration is considered to be the cause of drought condition
in the region. The dried-out Teesta is badly affecting the lives of around nine million people in 5,427
villages under 35 upazilas of the region.

7.1.10 Lack of Coordinated Extension Service for Technology Dissemination for specialized
Crops
Agriculture extension-focused public sector agencies have largely been geared towards increased rice
production, giving other crops little or no attention. Most evident from findings of formal and
informal discussion that existing government-based delivery systems do not work well and other
options must therefore be considered. Involvement of NGOs, input suppliers and other private sector
organizations may offer better options.

Knowledge transmission to farmers and technology adoption is flawed by several factors. Some
factors are inherent to the technology itself, and some outside conditions influence the adoption
process. Not all technologies are uniformly good for all condition and all types of farmers. Farmers
consider new technologies as complex, incompatible with the farm and personal interest. Some
technologies require high capital outlay and possess risks and farmers are in some cases reluctant to
change the old practice to avoid risks. All technologies are not always suitable to the specific agro-
ecological conditions required for its adaptation and absorption; meet the market demand,

60
infrastructural facilities and finally socio-economic condition of the farming community. There are
strong cultural factors of status and hierarchy which make transfer of knowledge difficult. Availability
of inputs and efficient extension service (supply system) dictate the adoption of improved practices.
Supply system often move back and forth between high quality and poor service, and good service but
poor quality.

Another factor, limiting fast dissemination and implementation of new technology is the dominance
of small-scale farms on which the farmers are operating. Training of a limited number of influential
famers (usual practice) on new technologies has very little impact. Convincing and training of famers
on new technologies is a gigantic task and require high efficiency of the change agents in socio-
economic aspects in addition to mere technology itself. The complex web of farm management, new
seeds, new cropping opportunities, marketing uncertainty make the transfer of technology difficult.
Strong complementary operations linking credit and technology have been achieved by NGOs, but
these are usually for small supplementary activities, not holistic approach.
Assessment of many approaches is flawed by failure to recognize the high cost of capital. What
appears profitable to the analyst out of touch with actual financial condition of the farming
community may not be profitable for the farmer. On the other hand, it is not wise to assume that
farmers are in an all-knowing, calculating businessperson. Instead they are cautious, suspicious, rarely
believe in magic solutions and suspect all dealings with public and private organizations. Risks as
seen from the farmer’s view might not be the same as risks as seen by the planners’ and/ or extension
staff. To persuade farmers to try new things requires both persuasion and social pressure.

Method and approaches for technology transfer is still unsolved. Many ideas have been tried and it is
still uncertain which approach is successful. NGOs activities are often found very successful but their
target is only marginal and landless farmers or the supplementary activities. Recently private
companies and even input dealers deployed promotion agents to persuade farmers for use their
products in order to solve problems of the latter. These agents are in maximum cases not adequately
qualified for service and attributing in increasing cost of production, polluting environment, degrading
natural resource base, deteriorating food safety and enhancing environmental pollution.

7.2. Fisheries
Once the Teesta region was rich in fishery resources but due to several anthropogenic and natural
causes, resources sternly declined. During winter season water flow in major in the major revers
reduced alarmingly along with dried up of some rivers and siltation of drainage channels has waned
the resources. The major challenges comforting the sectoral development are:

 Gradual resource depletion, specially inland open water;

 Increasing water-logging, blocking migratory routes of indigenous fish species, disturbing
biodiversity and creating social conflicts;
 Obstructing the migratory routes due to increased silt deposit on the river channels;
 Deteriorating brood stock and scarcity of good quality seeds;
 Inadequate quality feeds and production inputs at affordable price;
 Limited access to formal credit institutions;
 Alternative livelihood supports to fishers during banned fishing seasons and sanctuary
maintenance; and
 Poor re-excavation of wetland.

61
7.2.1 Declining Fishery Resources
Table 7.4 reveals that a total of 28740 ha fish habitat is completely lost and about 95,700 ha is nearly
lost resulting in annual production loss of about 2,29,900 tons. Sadly as a result of habitat loss some
species have already extinct with 35 numbers of endangered (Table 7.5).

Table 7.4 Loss of Fish Habitat and Production in TBR

Area (ha) Annual Loss of Production (ton)

District Lost Nearly Lost Total Total
Rangpur 65077 21693 86770 52062
Nilphamari 45848 15282 61130 36678
Gaibandha 23460 7718 31178 18707
Kurigram 130898 43632 174530 104718
Lalmonirhat 22140 7380 29520 17712
Total 287423 95705 383128 229877
Source: Developed by Reviews, FGD and Departmental Consultations, 2015

Table 7.5 Fish Species Endangered in TBR

Species
Species Endangered
lost
Batasi Catla Air Chitol Tara bam Baim Phasa Rita Gojar
Kakila Rui Baghair Foli Darkina Khilisha Puiya Bacha Taki
kuchia Mrigel Bele Chapila Kachki Koi Punti Shing Tangra
Pangas Kalbasu Boal Chingri Kajoli kuchia Tit puti Magur
Pabda Bata bou Gochi Kakila Mola Pangas Sol
bam
Source: Developed by Reviews, FGD and Departmental Consultations, 2015

Review of data obtained from the Department of Fisheries (DoF) reveals that during the last three
decades the riverine fisheries production continuously declining whereas the beel fisheries shown
some increasing trends (Fig. 7.1).

The fall of riverine fisheries production in last three decades indicating a drastic reduction of riverine
fish production. Beel fisheries showed a growth in the region. Flood plain fisheries production
showed large fluctuating scenario, increased in 2010-11 and sharp declined in 2013-14.

The riverine fishery resources in Teesta basin area are adversely affected during the recent past
decades by various anthropogenic and natural causes. Among the various causes, habitat degradation
of the riverine ecosystem is the key challenging issue negatively affecting natural productivity and
production. Low water flow in the rivers and their tributaries are seriously affecting the present
fisheries production system and biodiversity. The performance of beel fisheries is not even among the
districts. The production was affected due to numerous natural and man-made reasons. Moreover,
Teesta basin region is one of the climatic vulnerable area (hotspots), where occurrence of drought is a
common phenomenon, negatively affecting most of the fisheries ecosystems.

62
 Figure 7.1: Trend of Fish Production during the Last Three Decades
Source: DoF, 2015

Habitat degradation and pollution due to indiscriminate use of hazardous agro-chemicals in the crop
fields, seriously hampering the productivity and production of these potential ecosystems. In addition
to above hazards, commissioning of the Teesta Barrage, in most cases the area of open water-bodies
was decreased during the recent past decades. Although the overall area coverage was more or less
same, but in most cases water retention capacity decreased remarkably. During the recent past years,
government in collaboration with non-government agencies and development partners has also paid
more attention to explore the due potentials of the Teesta Basin for reducing food insecurity.

Despite recent growth in pond aquaculture, reduction in water retention capacity of culture ponds and
ditches negatively affecting the fish production. The availability of good quality seeds and quality
feeds at affordable prices pose a major concern to sustain growth.

7.3 Irrigation and Water Management

7.3.1 Dwindling Surface Water Resource Accelerating Desertification in the TBR

The Teesta is the fourth largest trans-boundary river of Bangladesh. The coriparian country’s Teesta
Barrage construction at Gozaldova, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal interrupted Bangladesh’s water
availability, particularly in the dry seasons. Again, a good number of dams have been constructed by
the Government of India to produce hydro-electricity. Because of this multifarious use water flow of
Teesta is reducing day by day in Bangladesh part. In 1997, dry season flow was 6,500 cusec in
Bangladesh part which was reduced to 1,348 cusec in 2006, 700 cusec in 2014 and further reduced to
250 cusec in 2015 against country’s requirements of 8,000 cusec in the TBR. For unfair withdrawal
of water by the coriparian India, the mighty river Teesta has been reduced to a canal having just knee-
deep flow of water entering into Bangladesh at the Teesta Barrage point, while in the rest part the
riverbed had already dried up making sand dunes.

Sadly, the Teesta River has lost its current after India constructed another barrage at Gazaldoba
making the whole northern region a barren desert. As a result, most of the tributaries and offshoot
branches of many small rivers dried up too, in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and
Kurigram Districts starting the desertification process in those northern districts of Bangladesh.

63
The associated important rivers are Korotoa, Katakhali, Ghagot, Dudhkumar, Jamuneshwari, Dhaijan,
Buri-Teesta etc. which also dried up during the lean period because of upstream withdrawal of river
water by India through construction of regulators, sluice gates etc. All these, negatively affecting the
availability of surface water for irrigation purposes and accelerating desertification process. As a
result, river ports like Haragacha, Chilmari , Mahigonj etc. are now abandoned.

7.3 .2 Teesta Woes for Farmers

The fate of millions of Bangladeshi people has been held hostage to the whim of the State
Government of West Bengal, India. The dried up Teesta is badly affecting the lives of around 9
million people in 5427 villages under 35 upazilas of five districts- Gaibandha, Kurigram,
Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur. There are study reports that during the period from 2006-07 to
2013-14 in all 42,54,218 tons of boro rice could not be grown in the TBR because of dry season
scarcity of river flow resulting a loss of about Tk. 800 crores. Because of this situation, the entire
length of 97 km down the Teesta Barrage at Dalia point practically gets no water at all, resulting
creation of new char lands. The cost of irrigation has been increased by manifolds and High Value
Crop farming is facing serious drought stresses, often reducing yields.

Because of unavailability of surface water irrigation, development has been centered on mining of
ground water. The falling of water table and depletion of groundwater resource is pronounced due to
no or little recharge of water table from the surface water resources. This indicates an alarming state
of farming in the region, would in near future farming in the region may be unsustainable.

Furthermore, the release of water during the monsoon causes flooding and bank erosion in the lower
riparian, or in the Bangladesh part. The poor state of the River Teesta and the reduced flow of water
particularly in the dry season reduced water access of poor farmers and increases vulnerability of the
region to riverbank erosion and flooding during the monsoon season. Dry season unavailability of
surface water in the Teesta Floodplain, induced increased ground water irrigation leading to
environmental degradation along with increase in cost of cultivation. In many places increasing
siltation of the riverbed caused the river to widen leading to ban erosion and flooding. River erosion
had an adverse impact on local livelihoods resulting in a loss of arable land and fostering out
migration to neighboring areas. Flash floods caused by sudden upstream release of water, cause
considerable damage to local household infrastructure and livestock.

In addition to crop farming, the Teesta has also become critical to the livelihoods of traditional
communities of fishers. Reduced river flow has sharply declined the fish population of the river. Some
common species of fish already became unavailable. The fishers are able to catch fish only during five
months (June-October). In the dry season the fishermen seek alternative livelihood opportunities, even
to work as day laborer in potato and paddy fields. Like fishermen, boatmen are also dependent on the
Teesta, and they are all suffering as they have lost their livelihoods.

7.3.3 Siltation of Rivers, Khals and Canals

Because of low flows in river Teesta down the Barrage at Dalia point siltation is taking place and
forming char lands in different locations of Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha districts. Siltation
in other perennial rivers like Korotoa, Katakhali, Dudhkumar, Jamuneshwari, Dhaijan and Bangali are
also significant. Most of the internal khals has almost been silted up and needs re-excavation. Char

64
land are considered as unfertile land. But, recently pumpkin (Indian variety) is grown very
successfully in the chars of these districts.

7.3 .4 Drought Hazard in TBR and Drying of Water Bodies

TBR falls under moderately drought prone area, but still almost all surface water sources get dried up
because of sandy loam soil texture and unilateral withdrawal of river water in the upstream region
outside Bangladesh during the lien period. Irrigation with surface water and aquaculture become
difficult under this situation. The TBR is highly suitable for winter crop cultivation, but scarcity of
surface water during the winter season has been identified as the main problem during consultation
meeting, FGD and field visits. People suffer from non-availability of surface water for irrigation and
fish culture, when they need it, for boro and other rabi crops/aquiculture.

7.3 .5 Lack of Awareness to Utilize Installed Irrigation Equipment During Drought Situation
Focus group discussions with farmers revealed that there is lack of awareness among the growers of
kharif-I and kharif-II crops to use the already installed irrigation equipment to overcome the effect of
drought situation in their crop field. Of course, some of them pointed out the absence of channel
system during those periods. High quality hose pipe (canvas hose pipe) was also demanded by some
of the WUGs.

7.3 .6 High Water Loss Under Irrigated Eco-system

Because of the sandy loam soil texture of the region water loss in the irrigated eco-system is quite
high. This situation enhances cost of irrigation and subsequently production cost of crops grown under
irrigation eco-system. While growing Boro rice during winter season, farmers need to apply irrigation
water almost on every alternate day which ultimately raises the cost of crop production. Improvement
of distribution system through lining up of channels/installation of buried pipe system is badly needed
for the area to make winter crop cultivation profitable.

7.4 Livestock
Livestock and poultry sub-sector is constrained by a number of factors. Substandard feeding and
improper management practices negatively affecting the productivity of the sub-sector.

7.4.1 Small Scale Dairying

Substandard feeding and management conditions affecting productivity of both crossbred and
indigenous cattle in the region. The observed bottlenecks in small scale dairying in TBR are:

• Most small farmers lack financial resources to establish dairy units;

• Farmers are mostly unaware of modern techniques of farm management;
• Absence dairy production-related extension service (e.g., upazila-level livestock service is
limited to mostly clinical veterinary services, and a limited breeding service is available);
• Unavailable high-yielding dairy cow/heifer;
• Repeat breeding of dairy cow with prolonged calving interval;
• Improper udder-care, calf feeding and farm-waste disposal;
• Unstructured milk market with fluctuating price; and
• Unfavorable tariff structure for imported powdered milk compared to local milk.

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7.4.2 Smallholder Beef Fattening
There are many observed bottlenecks in small-scale beef fattening in the region. These are:

• Most of the small farmers lack financial resources to establish beef cattle rearing unit;
• Unavailability of high growth rate and high meat yielding beef cattle for fattening;
• Farmers are mostly unaware of modern techniques of beef production;
• Beef production related extension service is almost absent and available livestock service is
limited to mostly clinical veterinary services;
• Unstructured beef cattle market with fluctuating price; and
• Uncontrolled influx of inferior quality Indian beef animals.
7.4.3 Smallholder Goat Production
Smallholder goat farming is constrained by several factors. The observed bottlenecks in smallholder
goat production are as follows:

• Most small farmers lack financial resources to establish goat rearing units;
• Farmers are mostly unaware of semi-intensive system of goat production;
• Goat production related extension service is almost absent and available livestock extension
service is limited to mostly clinical veterinary services;
The following resources are unavailable:
i) Quality Black Bengal doe (female breeding goat) to start breeding farm;
ii ) Quality vaccine (especially PPR and Goat Pox) and deworming drugs; and
iii ) Quality buck for breeding services at community level.

7.4.4 Smallholder Sheep Production

The productivity of sheep shoat can be improved under semi-intensive feeding and management
conditions. The observed bottlenecks in smallholder sheep production in Rangpur include:

• Most small farmers lack financial resources to establish economically viable sheep flock.
• Unavailability of good quality Bengal ewe (female breeding sheep) to start breeding farm.
• Lack of awareness on semi-intensive system of sheep production.
• Sheep production related extension service is almost absent and available livestock extension
service is limited to mostly clinical veterinary services.
• Unavailability of quality vaccine (especially PPR, Sheep Pox, Enterotoxaemia) and
deworming drugs
• Unavailability of quality Bengal ram for breeding services at individual farm-level
7.4.5 Poultry Rearing
Main constraints identified in course of the study are described below.

66
 • Farmers (diagnostic facilities, storage and preservation of inputs, etc.)
• Shortage of technical skills and manpower
• Shortage of quality chicks/breeding materials
• Shortage of poultry feed/feed ingredients
• Lack of quality control facilities for medicine, vaccines and biological products, feed
ingredients, chicks, eggs, birds
• Shortage of vaccines (both locally produced and imported)
• Lack of organized marketing system
• Poor provision of veterinary services
• Lack of institutional support (credit, capital)
These constraints of production are common to both traditional and commercial poultry farming.
7.5 Agricultural Marketing and Value Chains

7.5.1 Lack of Organized Market and Low Value Addition

Lack of organized market for selling farm produce is an important problem for TBR. The salient
features of agricultural product markets of the
region are poor infrastructure, with lack of Farmer’s Voice
cool chains, inadequate transports, storage Dimla, Dist. Nilphamari

and processing facilities, poor local roads and “To grow a mond of rice we have to spend around 700
communication system, unfair practices of taka. When I go to the market to sell my paddy buyers
offer me 450 taka per mond. Besides, potato grows well
middlemen, etc. The farmers of char lands are
in our area but we do not get good price. Per mond
suffering with inadequate transport and with potato production cost is 150 taka and sell price is 80 to
small number of petty traders (farias). The 100 taka. Moreover we need to go to the bazar to sell.
marginal and small farmers are often facing But transport cost adds another 40 to 50 taka. So where
problem of marketing their products and are is our profit?”
not getting fair price due to existence of trade syndicates.

7.5.2 Inadequate Coverage of Animal Health Service

The ratio of veterinary surgeons to farm animal and poultry is as low as 1/100,000 for livestock and
1/2,000,000 for poultry. The problem is again aggravated with poor transport network leaving 80
percent of the farmers outside of veterinary service. Only about 15-20 percent of farm animals are
occasionally vaccinated. Private sector investment in the animal health sector remains low and is
unlikely to expand in the future, unless provided adequate policy support and extension service. While
the quality and quantity of vaccine, medicine and veterinary service delivered by the DLS are
inadequate, the private sector is not coming up. There is no independent authority to check the quality
of domestically produced or imported vaccine, medicine, feed and other inputs and there are no
provisions for control of movement and quarantine during disease outbreak or epidemics.

Disease diagnostic facilities are limited. The district veterinary hospitals, regional field diseases
investigation laboratories (RFDIL), and the central disease investigation laboratory (CDIL) of DLS
are responsible for providing diagnostic services. However, due to shortage of skilled manpower and
non-availability of funds they cannot provide the desired services. It is necessary to develop
Epidemiology Unit for disease investigation and a veterinary drug quality control laboratory. There
are only few local veterinarians trained in clinical pathology to diagnose diseases properly. The
Veterinary Public Health Unit in the DLS has the mandate to perform diagnosis, surveillance and

67
control of zoonotical diseases, ensure food safety of animal origin, and liaison with the Health
Department. The Unit, however, has serious shortages of human capital, funding and laboratory
facilities. Most drugs traders and shopkeepers have no formal training on drug handling,
transportation, storing and dispensing, and readily sell drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, and
sedatives across the country without prescription.

7.5.3 Supply Chain of Fisheries

Although aquaculture production has experienced remarkable growth recently, a business-friendly
supply chain still lagging behind. Due to long and complex marketing system, producers are not
getting proper price for their farm products, where consumers are paying more. As fish and fish
products are most perishable goods, but there is a dearth physical facilities and infrastructure
necessary for postharvest management of fish and fish products in the region.

7.5.4 Scarcity of Quality Agricultural Inputs

i) Scarcity of Quality Seed

Seed is the basic input in crop production. Research findings reveals that quality seeds of high-
yielding varieties (HYVs), modern varieties, and hybrids have potential to contribute 15-20 percent
additional yield, when all other inputs remain the same. Discussions with stakeholders, farmers and
informal discussions with service providers and beneficiaries reveal that there is a big gap between the
requirement and supply of quality seeds in the region. The main challenges are the production and
timely supply of quality seeds to farmers. BADC, the public agency for seed production distribution
can only meet the 20 percent of total seed requirements of major crops grown in the reason. The rest
80 percent seeds come either from farmers’ own seeds (which are in most cases of low quality) or low
quality seeds (loose or misbranded) from the market. Low quality Indian seeds flood Jute seeds
market during sowing season. Vegetable seeds supplied mostly by private seed companies or
importers are retained seeds of previous year, which are in most cases of low vigor resulting in poor
yield.

ii) Scarcity of Feeds and Fodder

The acute shortage of feeds and fodder is one of the single most important obstacles to livestock
development in Bangladesh. Feed resources for livestock are primarily derived from crop residues and
by-products such as straw, grass and tree leaves. Supplementary and concentrate feed are provided
rarely and inadequately. This has resulted in stunted growth, reproduction and reduced productivity.
Most of the dairy, poultry and fish farmers are facing the problem of adulterated and inferior quality
of commercial feeds and feed ingredients. Feed labeling and control is inadequate. Most feed millers
do not disclose the necessary information on the packaging with regards to feed composition,
ingredients, date of manufacturing, date of expiry, storage guidelines, energy levels, and protein and
vitamin contents. Further, poor packaging causes quicker spoilage and deteriorating quality and
threatening livestock, fish and human health. High price of feeds and fodder are also a problem for the
smallholder livestock and fish farmers.

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69
 8 .0 STRATEGIC POTENTIALS AND DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

In spite of numerous challenges, there are numerous opportunities of agricultural development in the
region.

8.1 Crop

8.1.1 Potentials for Development

The climatic condition of the region, with high quality land resources and permeable soils of good
water-holding capacity, favors year-round crop production. Because of the dominance of loamy soil,
wetland farming is limited in the area. Nevertheless, it offers great opportunity to diversify into crops
with low water consuming, high value crops. Many spices and taproot crops are well0-suited to the
region because of little or non-existent plough pan in most of the floodplains. Furthermore,
groundwater aquifer is substantially rich at a shallow depth, favoring expansion of STWs with low
investment.

Despite many challenges and constraints, the Teesta region has potential to diversify crop production
and enhance productivity. High and medium high lands largely dominate the region with loam to
sandy loam soils favor cultivation of a wide range of both tropical and sub-tropical crops. As the area
is characterized with ground water at a low aquifer, despite dried up rivers in the dry season shrinking
surface irrigation scope, crop agriculture in the region could be revamped with the expansion of
groundwater irrigation system, and producing low-water consuming crops in the dry months
(November-April). During the last two decades, cropping intensity increased to 200 percent, limiting
further expansion of cropped area.

Thus, there is little scope to increase cropped area is relay cropping. Vertical development – that is,
crop productivity enhancement through the use of modern varieties and improved management – is
the only option for further development of the sub-sector in the region. Sustainable technology
adoption through understanding of those within the environment is of prime importance. Potentials
lies in the development of crop varieties and management techniques best suited in the agro-climatic
condition prevailing in the region. With the above backdrop the opportunities are analyzed to
determine the potentials. The identified potentials include (1) production of high-value crops, (2)
narrowing yield gaps, and (3) climate-resilient farming.

i) Production of High-Value Crops

Bangladesh produces large numbers of high value crops and modern technologies for growing these
crops have also been developed. The TBR with dominancy in high and medium highland, light
textured soil with loner dry and winter period has huge potentials for the production of a good number
of high value crops having processing potentials and demand in the domestic and international
market. Recent change in food demand in the urban socio-economic framework, communication
improvement and expansion of market at home and abroad opened the new horizon of opportunities.
Cultivation of these high value crops takes place in millions of tiny-to-small farms, operating no more
than one hectare of land. Such small holders account for 88 percent of farms and 60 percent of the
operated land. Land, soil and other agro-climatic conditions made the region suitable to produce
various high-value crops (discussed in Section 6.2).

70
ii) Narrowing Yield Gaps
Many demonstrations have been conducted by DAE, OFRD, and BARI to test the performance of the
newly-developed crop varieties in the region. The average yield of demonstrations and on-farm trials
of OFRD are the achievable yield of particular crop in the farmers’ condition. Reviewing BBS
reports, discussing with the extension service providers farmers realized yields have been determined.
There is wide gap between achievable yields and realized yields of different crops grown in the region
(Appendix-3, Table 1; Fig. 8.1, 8.2, 8.3).

However, the magnitude of this gap is not easily quantified with a high level of accuracy. The
presented figures are of the Teesta Region. Achievable targets are taken from the result demonstration
of DAE of Rangpur region and BARI on farm research division, Rangpur and the average yield data
has been taken by BBS. As the cropping intensity is near saturation, the best option for productivity
enhancement is to bridge yield gaps. This gigantic task involves apart from the present technological
know-how solving several physical and socio-economic constraints described below.

• Increasing use of quality seeds of modern crop varieties;

• Launching soil productivity programs to integrate use of organic manure and chemical
fertilizers;
• Strengthening linkage between research, extension and NGOs to accelerate the dissemination
of available technologies to farmers; and
• Timely and efficient management of pest and diseases.

Figure 8.1 Yield Gaps in Field Crops

Source: Consultation workshops and discussion meeting with scientists

71
 Figure 8.2 Yield Gaps in Vegetables
Source: Consultation workshops and discussion meeting with scientists

Figure 8.3 Yield Gaps in Spices

Source: Consultation workshops and discussion meeting with scientists

iii) Climate-Resilient Farming

It seems there are two distinct areas where research has special potential. First in the development of
improved varieties, including hybrids in cooperation with the international breeding institutions in

72
order of gain maximum benefit from plant breeding and international experience and resources.
Secondly there is a scope for on farm research mainly for adaptation of technologies developed
elsewhere. Management practices.

8.1.2 Development Options

i) Transformation of Crop Agriculture with Potential HVCs

The food basket in Bangladesh is changing rapidly and demands for high value nutritious crops are
increasing. Economic growth, rising incomes and rapid urbanization are combining to shift food
demand away from traditional staples toward high value foods. This creates an ample opportunity for
farmers, traders and processors for transformation from tradition crop production to HVCs. As the
production of many high-value crops are labor intensive and embodies an opportunity of rural
employment. It has been mentioned in the previous section that Teesta region has high potentials for
producing a good number of HVCs (Table 8.1). Benefits from cultivation of HVCs will include
improvements in average farm incomes, improved nutrition among consumers and establishment of a
secured base for production and postharvest skills which would enable growers to avail themselves,
over time, of higher value distribution options in the processing and export channels for crops.

Factors considered for HVCs selection were i) agro-climatic suitability (Table 8.2) ii) profitability
(Appendix-3, Table 2 and 3 Fig. 8.4,8.5,and 8.6), iii) farmer’s attitude, and finally iv) keeping quality
and market demand. Farmers in Gangachara, Rangpur in a FGD session, ranked the high value crops
for growing in the Teesta basin. On the basis of the ranking by the farmers selected HVCs are
provided as Table 8.1.

Table 8.1 Ranking of High Value Crops Suitable for growing in the Teesta Basin Region

Crop Agro- Profitability Farmers' Keeping Total Score

climatic Attitude Quality/ Market
Suitability Demand
* Wheat 3 2 1 2 8
* Maize 3 2 2 3 10
* Potato 3 2 2 1 8
*Jute 3 1 2 2 8
* Mustard 3 2 2 2 9
* Groundnut 2 2 2 1 7
Lentil 2 1 1 2 6
Chickpea 2 1 1 2 6
* Mungbean 2 1 1 2 6
* Onion/Garlic 3 3 3 2 11
* Ginger/Turmeric 3 2 2 3 10
Chilli 2 2 2 2 8
*Vegetables 3 2 2 2 9
* Banana 3 3 3 2 11
* Mango 3 3 3 2 11
* Guava 3 2 2 2 9
*Litchi 3 3 3 3 12

73
Crop Agro- Profitability Farmers' Keeping Total Score
climatic Attitude Quality/ Market
Suitability Demand
Note- Score High-3, Medium-2 and Low=3; * Selected high value crops

Available computerized information could be used to select potential upazilas and for making crop
cultivation zones by the upazila and block level staffs of DAE. Pulses, oil crops, spices, fruits, etc.
could be produced on contract farming between agro-processing industries and farmers at win-win
condition. Areas available for these crops depend mainly on how the production can be arranged
considering the very small farms and the limited resource of the individual farmers to undertake
commercial production. This can be done through organizing farmers into crop-based groups for
capacity enhancement in access to inputs, technologies and markets.

Figure 8.4 Profitability of Major Crops Grown in TBR

Agro-ecological Suitability of Potential High Value Crops

A huge AEZ database system is developed and maintained at BARC. This information was used to
delineate suitable area for growing particular crops.

The suitable area for HVCs indicate a large potential, it provides basic planning information for
selecting crops. But the final projection of these crops has been determined based on interaction of a
number of factors described in Table 8.2.
Table 8.2 Agro-ecological Suitability of Potential HVCs

74
 Crop Suitable Area (ha) Present Coverage (ha) Coverage of Suitable Area
(%)
Wheat 711900 20585 3
Maize 764800 53071 7
Potato 333000 92553 28
Lentil 206500 1176 1
Gram 222000 180 0
Mungbean 244300 230 0
Mustard 712000 5431 1
Groundnut 842000 1691 0
Chilli 66500 2850 4
Onion/Garlic 62400 5500 9
Jute 730700 50459 7
Source: BARC

Figure 8.5 Profitability of Vegetables Cultivation

Source: Author’s Calculation

Figure 8.6 Profitability of Fruits Cultivation

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 Source: Calculation by the Consultant

Farmers’ Conception of High Value Crops and Profitability

Farmers of a particular region decide the status of high value crops primarily based on profitability
index of the crop as dictated by supply-demand situation. It may be cereal or non-cereal. The order of
high value crops are :

Most of the farmers consider rice as low value crop but still they grow it for their family’s food
security. Production of the high-value agricultural commodity may be a good prospect to a farmer
when government intervention relieves some of these barriers. The farmer may learn about the crop
from an extension agent or neighbor. He or she may enter into a contract with a buyer that reduces the
marketing risk. The buyer or another lender may agree to provide inputs on credit for high- value
agriculture. And finally, the construction of a new processing plant or improvement of roads may
reduce the transportation cost from the farmer to the buyer. Farmers view of high value crop is the
profitability of the crop that is wide cost benefit ratio. But R & D agencies working in the region have
different view about HVCs. According to them crops having maximum self life and processing
potentials and demand in the domestic and international markets are considered to be HVCs.

ii) Promoting Less Water Consuming Crops and Cropping Pattern

It has been discussed in the earlier section that the TBR is highly suitable for growing a good number
of crops requiring less water. It is an established fact that cultivation of boro rice requiring 3/4 times
more water than wheat, maize, and other dry land crops enhancing severe loss of water in the loamy
floodplain (Table-8.3). Irrigation requirement t.aus rice is about 2.2 times less than that of boro rice,
but it also permits growing of one additional crop. Irrigation requirement for onion and garlic
although higher than other non-rice crops but its profitability are also high. Since the area is severely
drought prone, the farming practice need to be concentrated on increasing water productivity. This
could be done primarily by choosing cultivation of low water consuming crops and improving
irrigation system management.

Table 8.3 Irrigation Requirement of Major Crops Grown in Teesta Region

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 Crop water Irrigation Water requirement in
requirement requirement Yield liter for per kg
Crop (cm) (cm) (t/ha) production
Boro rice 140 350 3.8 2500
T.Aus 60 160 2.1 1200
Whet 35 60 4.0 500
Maize 40 68 6.2 625
Potato 40 68 19.0 350
Mustard 15 26 1.48 600
Groundnut 10 17 2.5 350
Vegetables 30 51 15.0 300
Onion/Garlic 50 85 5.0 300
Pulses 10 17 1.5 350
Papaya 30 51 15 500
Source: Karim and Akand (1982), later updated in 2015

Based on crop water requirement, agro-ecological suitability and FGD findings the following major
patterns of less water consuming crops for the severe drought prone region (Table 8.4).

Table 8.4 Low Water Consuming Cropping Pattern for Teesta Region

Agro-ecological zone Dominant land type Suggested cropping pattern

Active Teesta Floodplain Medium highland Wheat-T. Aus-T. Aman
Highland Wheat-T.Aus/Maize-Fallow
Teesta Meander Floodplain Medium highland Wheat/Maize-T.Aus-T.Aman
Highland Wheat-T.Aus/Maize-Fallow
Active Brahmaputra-Jamuna Medium highland (Soil, silty Potato-T.Aus-Fallow
Floodplain loam to clay loam) Black gram/Boro-T.Aus-Fellow
Medium lowland Boro-Fallow-Fallow
Level Barind Tract Medium highland Fallow- T.Aus – T.Aman
North Eastern Barind Tract Highland Fallow- T.Aus – T.Aman
Source: Consultation with BARI scientists and in-depth interviews with extension personnel

iii) Intensification of Crop Cultivation

Present cropping intensity in the region is already high has. There is some scope yet left for inclusion
of short duration of dryland crops in the transitional period. Types of crops should be selected
considering primarily the irrigation requirement of specific crop.

Analyzed secondary information and subsequent discussion with the farmers during FGDs, KIIs and
in-depth dialogue with the extension workers the some opportunities have been identified based on
the principal seven factors of crop production in the region:

77
 • Farm sizes of farmers;
• Currently practicing remunerative patterns;
• Marketing and profitability;
• Disaster risk factors on farming practices;
• Land suitability of the crops and cropping pattern;
• Depth of the soil profile and moisture holding capacity; and
• Rejuvenation of soil fertility.

Some improved cropping patterns are developed as a result of consideration of above factors. But
many of these to some extend are being practicing by the farmers (Table 8.5).

Table 8.5 Suggested Improved Cropping Pattern for Teesta Basin

Land Type Rabi Mid-Mar Kharif-I Kharif-II

Mid-Oct

March

Sept.
Mid-
Nov.

Aug.
May
Aprl
Feb.

July
July
Dec

Oct
Jun
Jan

HL: 201153 Vegetables Aus Rice T.Aman Rice

(26%) Wheat Aus Rice T.Aman Rice
Wheat T.Aus/Maize Fallow
Pulses Jute Sesame
Maize Jute Dhaincha Potato
Potato Maize Dhaincha T.Aman Rice
Mustard – Boro Vegetables T.Aman Rice
Pulses/Mustard Jute Veget ables
Wheat T.Aus/Maize Fallow
Sugarcane +Mustard
MHL: 328062 ha Boro T.Aus Rice T. AmanRice
(36%) Vegetable Jute T. Aman Rice
Wheat Maize T.Aman Rice
Potato Vegetables T.Aman Rice
Mustard Vegetables T.Aman Rice
Wheat T.Aus Rice T.Aman Rice
Wheat/Maize T.Aus Rice T.Aman Rice
Maize Green Manure Chilli
Onion /Garlic Green Manure T.Aman Rice
Mustard T.Aus Rice T.Aman Rice
Chickpea Aus Rice T.Aman Rice
Vegetables Mungbean T.Aman Rice
Vegetables Jute /Aus Mungbean
Mustard Maize/Jute/Aus Rice Fallow
Source: FGDs

T. aus has been the dominant crop in these patterns. But many of these patterns accommodate
different types of vegetables, green manures, pulses and oil seeds and Jute.

78
Review of literature and reports of BARI, BRRI annual reports reveal that four cropped patterns are
higher in profit earning compared to three cropped ones. Potato – boro-t.aus- t.aman pattern give
highest return followed by mustard –boro—t.aus-t.aman pattern (Appendix-3, Table 3 and Fig.8.7).

As inclusion of T.aus in the cropping pattern is one of the targeted of the development option,
profitability of improved cropping pattern including T.aus has been presented as Appendix 3, Table 4.

Intensification of the above patterns greatly depends on household food security demands as well as
profitability and house. There are four-cropped pattern gave maximum benefit compared to three-
cropped and two-cropped ones. Again crop production in irrigated condition yielded better BCR than
rainfed ones.

Figure 8.7 Profitability of Different Cropping Pattern

Source: Calculation by the Consultant

From the above profitability analysis five patterns for different land types have been recommended
(Table 8.6). These patterns have been validated through on-farm trials by the NARS. These patterns
need to be scaling up in the region backed by vigorous extension programs and input supplies.

Table 8.6 Selected Improved Cropping Pattern for Teesta Basin

Land and irrigation condition Cropping pattern

High land irrigated T.aman-vegetables-T.aus/jute
T.aman-Mustard-Vegetables
Medium highland irrigated T.aman-Garlic/Onion-Maize/Jute
T.aman-Potato-Vegetables
T.aman-Wheat-T.Aus/Maize
T.aman-Maize-T.Aus
Medium highland (rainfed) T.Aman-Potato-Groundnut
Source: Consultation with BARI Scientists and Extension Staff

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iv) Promotion of Pulses in the Rice Based Cropping System

The region is dominated by poor people with largely deficient in nutrition. Pulses are major sources of
protein and also most suitable for the region. In these circumstances household livelihoods and diet
can benefit by crop diversification and intensification through fitting short duration pulses (lentil,
mungbean, chickpea, field pea, peanut, etc.) into new cropping niches in the Teesta region. This
tailoring process involves- introducing new short and super short duration cultivars, the use of relay
cropping (sowing pulses prior to the harvest of aman rice in rabi season, and in kharif-I season
relaying pulses in the crop fields of previous season.

Review of demonstration results, BBS reports and discussion with the researchers and extension
personnel disclosed that there are huge yield gaps between the achievable yields and farmers’ average
yield of various pulse crops grown in the region.

Fortunately NARS have developed a good number of pulse varieties appropriate for fitting into the
rice-based pattern. Amongst the pulse varieties Bina masur-2,9,4,5 ,6,7 and 9; Bari masur-4 and 5;
Bina mas-2 and3 ; Bina mug 2,5,6,7,8; Bari-mug 6 , 7, 8 and Bari chhola 5,6,7 are the suitable
varieties to be fitted in the rice-based cropping pattern in the region (Appendix 3: Table 5).Since the
yield of pulses are comparatively low and having poor competitive advantages, these crops need to be
promoted for improve nutrition status in the region and sustaining soil fertility through nitrogen
fixation by leguminous crops.

Based on the crop and land suitability pulse crop production projection for short, medium and long
term has been proposed for the region. (Appendix 3: Table 6).

v) Promotion of Inter-cropping for Increasing Cropping Intensity

Fruit trees such as mango and jujube thrive in drought prone environment. The cultivation of these
tree species is recommended for the uplands of the Level Barind Tract, recurrently exposed to
drought. Mango and jujube trees are suitable to be intercropped with transplanted aman (t. aman) and
boro rice as well as with vegetables, allowing for a diversification of the household diet. Fruit trees
serve also as cash crops that can generate alternative income sources and may

Figure 8.8 Intercropping mango in rice

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 Source: Curtsy of FAO, 2012

thus help households bridge moments of crisis. In addition they are a source of wood fuel. An
extended coverage with trees contributes to decreasing temperatures and may induce increasing
rainfall, and helps counterbalancing the negative environmental impact of deforestation. In the
highland and medium highland phase-1 offers opportunities of inter-cropping of pulses, oil seeds,
vegetables in orchard in some cases in field crops like sugarcane, maize, t.aman rice etc.

vi) Enhancing Productivity of Cereals

The average yield (ton/ha) of cereals in different season are boro 4.47, t.aus 2.0, t.aman 2.57, wheat
1.87 and maize 7.0, but the farmers’ managed demonstration yields are very large (Fig. 8.1), exposing
a wide gaps of yield in the region. Since the region is severe landscape with dominance of marginal
and small farmers there is urgent need of tapping additional yields by bridging the yield gaps.

A modest projection has been provided which are developed by extensive literature review, reviewing
individual farmers’ success stories with series of discussion with public and private research and
extension working in the region (Appendix 3: Table 7). The projected production has been provided
for short-term (2021), mid-term (2026), and long term (2035).

Productivity enhancement of major cereals requires the following measures:

Intensify cultivation: Further increases in cereals production must come from intensive cultivation,
but this is hindered by both natural and manmade calamities. Core interventions include (1) the use of
modern varieties, which are stress tolerant and short-duration characteristics, (2) application of
recommended dose of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers, and (3) integrated approaches to pest
and disease management.
Enhance capacity of extension personnel: Need-based extension approaches are not having
significant positive effects on technology dissemination and adoption. Grassroots-level extension
personnel should be trained on the latest technologies, and how to organize commodity-based farmer
groups.
Develop coordinated approach for technology development and dissemination: There is a lack of
coordination between non-government and government agencies involved in the crop agriculture sub-
sector. To accelerate demand-driven technology development and dissemination, it is essential to
promote a coordinated approach among key stakeholders.
Ensure supply of quality inputs:

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 - Improve quality seed supply

Discussion meeting with stakeholders, Focus Group Discussion with farmers and informal
discussion with service providers and beneficiaries revealed that there remains a big gap between
the requirement and supply of quality seeds in the region. To increase productivity of potential
crops in the region preference should be given to production of quality seeds by the NGOs
working in the region and farmers groups and registered cooperatives of farmers under the
supervision of extension service providing agencies and SCA personnel. Local seed producing
farmers, organizations and farmers’ groups to be listed with their seed producing capacity and
facilities. Arrangement should be made provide them with foundation seeds for multiplication
and distribution to the local farmers.

- Ensure quality fertilizer supply

FGDs in different districts revealed that there remains insufficient supply of quality chemical
fertilizers in the region. Chemical fertilizers of all kind need to be supplied in adequate quantity
during cropping season at affordable price. Strict monitoring by District committee can ensure
the supply of quality inputs at fair price.

vii) Revitalizing Jute Production

The region’s agro-climatic characteristics of the region divulge highly suitability make it highly
suitable for the jute production in the region; however, jute production has not reached its potential..
For that reason Rangpur division had a glorious history and the economy depending on jute
cultivation. Unfortunately the glorious past has been eroded.

To revamp the jute sector, it is required to the Government should implement a jute-focused special
program combined along with establishing a sound marketing system. Table 8.7 presents a projected
areas for jute cultivation in the TRB.

Table 8.7 Projected Area and Production of Jute

Projection -
Suitable Present status 2021 Projection - 2026 Projection - 2035
area Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
District (ha) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Rangpur 48867 11032 16548 12000 21000 13500 24975 14500 29000
Gaibandha 62981 10384 15576 11500 20125 12500 22500 13500 27000
Kurigram 51641 19442 28191 21500 32250 23500 37600 25000 45000
Lalmonirha
t 21007 5091 6618 5600 7840 6000 10200 6500 11700
Nilphamari 34282 9200 9200 10000 12500 11000 16500 12000 20400
Total 218778 55149 59585 60600 93715 66500 111775 71500 133100
Source: BBS, 2013-14 and Consultation Workshop at Rangpur on 17- 22 February 2016.

Promotion of Appropriate Jute Varieties

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The Government must promote appropriate jute varieties in the region. The Bangladesh Jute Research
Institute (BJRI) has developed a good number of high-yielding jute varieties of which D-154-2, CVL-
1, CC-45, BJRI deshi pat -5,6,7,8 and BJRI tossa pat-4,5,6 are high-yielding and CVE-3, BJRI deshi
pat-6 are relatively short duration and promising (Appendix-3, Table 8). But adoption of these
varieties is limited due to poor campaign, limited availability of quality seeds and weak extension
program. Consequently jute seed market is loaded with poor quality seeds available from different
sources.
Introduction of Ribbon Retting

Ample availability of water is crucial for conventional retting of jute stem through immersing in
water). The system requires sufficient water source, availability of water, and growing and retting in
the same locality. But in Teesta region this condition no longer exists and present water availability is
not conducive for traditional retting. Water is scarce and crops are grown at far distance from a water
source, and labors are unavailable or unwilling to work at low wages. Recent ribbon retting technique
presents the most efficient use of water.
To overcome a similar problem, China has developed different kinds of retting systems:

1. Farmers strip ribbons of bark from the jute plant after harvesting, ribbons are dried and stored
and in the next summer when sufficient water is available the stored barks are put to water for
retting. This technique saves time, transport, and water. Moreover, the quality of the fibre
produced is generally superior;
2. Rice field retting is another modern technique, which takes advantage of the time and land
available between two of rice crops. In this system the bunds of the harvested rice fields are
raised to enable water to be ponded to a depth of about 500 mm and practice both stem-
retting and ribbon retting thereby avoiding the pollution of normal open waters. Further
retting wastes remain in the field as green manure, and the impounded water gives a measure
of control over nematode infestation. In this method, dark colored fibre produced because of
contamination.
3. Where irrigation water is available, a polyethylene-lined ditch 1.5-2.0 m deep will provide a
useful temporary retting water facility. Jute can be retted in a ribbon to water ratio as low as
1:5. After removing the plastic sheet the ditch can be used for fish culture. The system is
economically viable, and recommended.

Private sector entrepreneurship needs to develop jute seed production in the Teesta Region,
specifically through a contract growing system. Districts with maximum jute area – Kurigram,
Gaibandha, Nilphamari and Rangpur – may be included in the jute seed production program.

To revamp the jute sector, which is of national and international priority, massive extension efforts
with quality seed need to be ensured in the region.

viii) Promotion of Oil Crops

Realizing the yield ceiling of the oil seed varieties developed by NARS:

NARS developed many oil seed varieties, some of which are short-duration, yet high-yielding and
regionally suitable (Appendix 3: Table 9). Amongst the newly developed varieties, the following
varieties have potential: Bina Sarissa-3,4; Bari Sarissa-10; Bina Teel 2,3; Groundnut varieties-DM-1,

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Jinga badam, Bari badam 5,6. There is need for large scale demonstration of these varieties and
scaling up of the results for large scale producton. A projection (short term, mid-term and long term)
has been made for oil crops production in Consultation with research and development personnel
working in the region (Appendix-3, Table 10)

Diversifying Oil Seed Crop Production in the Region through Global Exploration of Genetic
Resources

Around 70 percent of the edible oil in the world is produced from four vegetable oils: (1) soybean oil,
(2) palm oil, (3) rape seed oil, and (4) sunflower oil.

Soybean Oil: Soybeans are the world’s leading source of oil, byproducts, and protein-rich seed meal.
Its oil content is about 20 percent, and represents a protein-rich source with approximately 35 percent
protein content. Soybeans are the leading vegetable oilseed grown, with about 15 million tons of
production and yields in the range of 2300-4000 kg/ha. This represents about 52 percent of total
global oilseed production. The major soybean-producing countries are the United States, Argentina,
Brazil and China.

Palm Oil: The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West and Central Africa. The oil palm has the
highest yield; one tree can produce up to 20 tons of fruit bunches annually. The mesocarp of the fruit
contains about 49 percent palm oil, and the kernel consists of about 50 percent palm kernel oil.

Rape Seed Oil: The rape (Brassica napus, B. campestris) was developed during World WarII. It is
considered unsuitable for consumption before 15 years due to high content of erucic acid (up to 50
percent), which negatively influences the metabolism of several organs. Canola is a new variety with
low erucic acid content (< 2 percent), which has made way for greater production. Globally, rapeseed
production in 2011/2012 was about 60.4 million tons, and of this, oil produced was about 24.3 million
tons. The EU-27 is the first producer of seeds (34 percent), then China (22 percent), Canada (21
percent), and India (11.6 percent). The major exporters of oil are Canada and Europe, with the United
States representing the major importer. There are more than 33 million ha dedicated to rapeseed
culture. Over a decade, rapeseed oil’s non-food use dramatically increased from 8 to 33 percent
between 2000 and 2010. Currently, rape seed oil is used in Bangladesh as edible oil.

Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil contributes about 13 percent of the global oil. In 2011/2012, sunflower
seed production was about 31 million tons and sunflower oil about 14.7 million tons, whereas yields
were between 500 and 2600 kg seeds/ha. The whole seed contains about 40 percent oil, and about 25
percent protein suited for animal feeding.

There are significant oil seed potential in the region and globally. Before this, however, regional
research and development programs in the region should be designed and adapted.
Measures for Oil Crop Development

Strengthening Research and Development: Research activities for developing short duration
mustard varieties should be strengthened to meet regional demands. Germplasm should be collected
from global germplasm centers for exploring varietal development of other vegeatable oil crops

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suitable for the region. Special program need to be drawn for introducing soyabean, sunflower in the
region.

Participatory adaptive trials and demonstration programs should be implemented by OFRD and DAE
respectively to popularize the new oil seeds in the region.

ix) Leveraging Livelihoods and Improving Nutrition by Promoting Fruit Cultivation

The region is famous for producing delicious fruits year-round (Table 8.8). At present, field crop area
is shifting to fruit cultivation because (1) availability of diversified technology for fruit production, (2)
large profitability, (3) dominance of well-drained highland and permeable soil horizon for travel of
rooting system to harness plant nutrients and water.

In the TBR, sub-tropical fruits are mostly seasonal and are harvested during summer season. During
summer months (mid-April-mid-October), 60 percent of total production is available. Primary
summer fruits include the mango, jackfruit, litchi, guava, berry, pineapple, hog plum, sapota, lemon,
lime, among others. However, lemon, guava, and pineapple are also found in smaller quantity in the
off-season almost round the year). We do not have indigenous winter fruits, many of which are sweet
lime, Malta, olive and wood apple. About 19 percent of the national fruit production enters the market
during the winter months (that is, January-April), and 21 percent during fall season (September-
December). Banana is the only fruit found year-round.

The agro-climatic conditions in northwest Bangladesh – comparatively long and dry winters (that is,
November-February) – are favorable for diverse commercial fruit production, with farmers growing
dwarf mango (Amrapalli, Ratna, Lata Bombayee), jujube (BAU-Kul, Apple Kul, Narikali kul), and
guava (Kazi payara, Thai Payara). Mango and litchi production have expanded to the Teesta Region
recently, and Gaibandha District has extensive banana production. Fruit cultivation practices have
came out of the traditional orchard farmers are now cultivating annual fruit and short period fruits in
the crop land.

Commercial cultivation of quick-growing fruits in crop field is gaining popularity in the region,
particularly in Gaibandha District.Farmers are growing commercially in the northwestern Bangladesh.

Fruit farming is labor-intensive. The production of saplings and plantings, intercultural operations,
harvesting, postharvest management, marketing and processing can create many job opportunities.
Furthermore, fruit processing can also be performed at home easily, which facilitates women’s
inclusion in the labor force. Various food items like jam, jelly, pickles, candy, and drinks may be
manufactured for sale in the national and international markets.

Table 8.8 Present Situation of Fruit Cultivation in the Teesta Basin

Orchard Plants in Homestead

Area No. Yield Prod (ton) No.of Prod Total Prod
8.1 Fruit (ha) Trees (kg/tree) Trees (ton) (ton)
Mango 319 70063 63 4414 657873 41446 45860
Jackfruit 129 2636 121 319 302488 36601 36920
Litchi 33 1547 53 82 56585 2999 3081

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 Orchard Plants in Homestead
Area No. Yield Prod (ton) No.of Prod Total Prod
8.1 Fruit (ha) Trees (kg/tree) Trees (ton) (ton)
Papaya 23 37042 24 889 207292 4975 5864
Guava 63 25727 22 566 255000 5610 6176
Jujube 75 44667 24 1072 73500 1764 2836
Lime/Lemon 25 8111 18 146 151778 2732 2878
Pumelo 19 6100 10 61 146600 1466 1527
Banana 3138 - - 99860 - - -
Pineapple 102 - - 570 - - -
Source: BBS, 2011
Through consultations with extension personnel and NGOs, assessments on (1) the suitability of fast-
growing fruits, and (2) short-, medium-, and long-term projections were developed for quick-growing
fruit cultivation in the region (Appendix-3, Table 11).

Steps in Accelerating Fruit Cultivation in the TBR

Scientific management of homestead orchards

Promotion of fruits in the Teesta Region requires some immediate and long term strategies. First, this
will require scientific management of homestead orchards. Homestead gardening is a well-known
practice in the rural areas of Bangladesh, creating opportunities for year-round income, even when
other income sources fail particularly due to water scarcity and drought. Homestead gardens use the
small raised areas (chalas) around the home. The management of homestead gardens benefits from
using household wastes, sweepings and debris as organic matter, as well as irrigation from rainwater
harvest and used water of households. Homesteads gardens are a good practice for women in
particular, who can manage activities and earn income with minimum support from their male
counterparts.

In the Teesta Region, there are more than eight types of fruit trees in the homestead area (Table 8.9).
Except lime/lemon, homestead gardens provide 80-90 percent of fruit tree production. In the Teesta
Region, mango, jackfruit, anola, banana, pomegranate, and pumelo are usually grown in the raised
area around the home area. Farmers shared that homestead trees are often grown without fertilizers,
irrigation, and even without removal of off-shoot. This is either due to ignorance or lack of awareness.
Homestead fruit gardening in drought-prone areas can contribute to gender equity within the climate
change adaptation framework. Sometimes surplus produced could be marketed for additional income.

Table 8.9 Fruit trees in the homestead area

Fruit No. of Trees Production

Mango 657873 41446
Jackfruit 302488 36601
Litchi 56585 2999
Papaya 207292 4975
Guava 255000 5610
Ber 73500 1764
Lime/Lemon 151778 2732
Pumelo 146600 1466

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Source: BBS, 2014. Year Book of Agricultural Statistics

Rejuvenation of the Old and Unproductive Orchards

Fruit trees of perennial type loss their potential yield capacity with progress of age. Each fruit type has
a certain age limit for profitable fruit bearing. Uprooting fruit trees due to old age is not a
economically profitable intervention. With modern technologies bearing trees could be rejuvenate
through top-working in case of mango, heavy pruning of lime/lemon, cutting guava at the base of the
tree and allowing shoot from the ground, removing off-shoot and old branches of litchi, etc.
Farmers to be motivated and their skill development through training and method demonstrations on
top working, pruning of water sprouts, training trees for better canopy and increased fruit bearing and
mount-stooling for rejuvenation.

Promotion of Quick Growing Fruit Cultivation

In a land hungry country like Bangladesh traditional orchard establishment is an unrealistic

proposition. Commercial cultivation of quick growing fruits in crop field is gaining popularity in the
region. Gaibandha District is pioneer in this aspect. Since last several districts farmers are cultivating
banana commercially. Farmers are growing dwarf mango (Amrapalli, Ratna, Lata Bombayee etc.)
Jujube (BAU-Kul, Apple Kul, Narikali kul, etc.), Guava (Kazi payara, Thai Payara, etc.)
commercially in the northwestern Bangladesh.

Table 8.10 List of quick growing fruits

Fruit Duration Yield (t/ha)

Banana 10-12 months 50
Papaya 6-10 months 60
Guava 12-36 months 30
Litchi 36-48 months 12
Mango 36-60 months 25
Plum 12-24 months 15
Source: BARI annual report, 2014
Means of Attaining Fruit Cultivation Target

a) Increasing Availability of Quality Saplings through Establishing Propagation Nurseries

Nurseries are the intermediate supplier of the horticultural chain, and important in the promotion of
new varieties. Although the region has a significant area under Level Barind Tract and North Eastern
Barind Tract, highly suitable for fruit cultivation, there are insufficient number of public nurseries in
the region to support quality planting materials. Most of the private nursery owners and managers of
public nurseries are neither aware of, nor have access to quality cultivars of fruits.

To assist retailer nurseries owned by individuals/NGOs/cooperatives, the Government should take

initiatives to provide authentic planting materials and improved varieties of fruits at affordable prices.
Thus, to improve the situation, the following steps are needed:

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Establish and maintain by the government at public places, hospital, district office educational
institute premises and local research centers to produce saplings of newly developed fruit varieties to
supply private nurseries the authentic stock materials for further multiplication and distribution among
farmers.
Strengthen linkages with DAE Horticultural Centers, BARI and BADC germplasm centers for stock
plants of improved fruit varieties.
Establish Horticulture nurseries at upazila level under the administrative control of Upazila Parishad
with technical assistance from DAE and BADC. These nurseries may be assigned to maintain plant
stock through close spacing to be act as local germplasm centers and supply scions to the private
nurseries at minimum prizes for producing saplings in large numbers for distribution to the farmers.

Establishing in-situ stock of high quality mother plants at farmers land. A committee with experts and
local government representatives may be constituted to evaluate high quality fruit plants at farmers
field/homestead and prepare a list of trees and maintain those trees for scion collection by the private
nurseries at affordable prizes. The selected farmers need to recognize as volunteer farmers with
financial incentives and social recognition.

x) Promoting Spices Cultivation

Teesta region has a tropical wet and dry climate. The hot season commences early in April and
continues till July. The maximum mean temperature observed is about 32-36° C (90- 97° F) during
the months of May, June July and August and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about
7 to 16° C (45 to 61° F). The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual
rainfall in the district is about 1,448 mmr (57.0 in). The climatic condition of the region favors the
cultivation of spices. Among the major spice crops chillies are grown in the charlands of Gaibandha,
Kurigram, Lalmonirhat districts, while ginger and turmeric grow well in Level Barind Tract of
Nilphamari, Rangpur Gaibandha and Lalmonirhat Districts. NARS have developed a number of
varieties of spices (Appendix 3: Table 12), potential for cultivation in the region.

Review of literature and reports of DAE and BBS unveiled the fact that there is wide gap between
achieveable and realized yield of spices in the region. As the region is well communicated with other
region of the country by rail, road and air special production zones for spices may be established in
the region. For onion and garlic charlands of Gaibandha and Kurigram and for ginger and turmeric
Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts may be selected. Government should offer special package for
cultivation, processing and marketing of spices in the region.

In consultation with the regional scientists and extension personnel a projection has been made to
promote spices in the next 20 years.

xi) Developing Agriculture in Charlands

Charlands occupies a significant area (168700 ha) exists in all the districts with maximum area in
Kurigram (Fig. 6.9). As the char fomation is a continuous process, there are old and young charlands.
Developing interventions depends on the kinds of charlands. These are as follows:
Conservation of young active charlands
There are 31000 ha of active charlands are now avaiable in the region. These are highly unstable and
extremely fragile, because of changing river course and high intensity of flash floods. These area are
being abused- preventing land and soil development by undesirable human intervention and illegal

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encroachment as well as removal of sands. Local adminstration should ensure the formation of chars
and their settlement without interuption. Following agricultural practices are recommended for the
area:

The land should be undisturbed by cultivation of fast growing forest species, and keep fallow for
grazing; and
Leguminous crops like dhaincha could be grown by public initiatives to allow faster soil formation
with nitrogen fixation.
Enhancing crop productivity in the relatively settled charlands:

FGDs and KIIs with farmers and extension staff disclosed that a good number of crops are grown in
the charlands, but their yield is low. To enhance the productivity scientific agriculture need to be
promoted. Considering regional needs and for improving nutrition it is recommended to grow in large
scale organge fleshed sweet potato rich in vit.A, pumkin, groundnut and maize.

Special extension program to harness the potentials of charlands without depleting soil fertility and
process of land formation needs to be promoted. Keeping these objectives in mind a coordinated
extension program with national and regional NGOs and Public extension service is required with
increasing availability of seeds of newly released modern varieties along with skill development of
the farming community through training.

xii) Replacement of Tobacco by Food Crops

“Tobacco causes throat and lung cancer”

Although the government does not encourage growing tobacco, its cultivation is expanding in some
areas because of remunerative packages offered by the national and multinational companies. Unless
some profitable farming practice is offered to the farmers they cannot be barred from growing
tobacco. The recommending interventions for this include a number of high value agro-ecological
suitable crops like onion, ginger garlic, vegetables, etc. with incentive package. The ingredients of the
package including supply of quality seeds, ensuring credit and buyback guarantee would gradually
replace tobacco.
Furthermore, there is need of rethinking of growing industrial cash crop for producing sugar from
plants other than sugarcane. In this context sugar beet appears to be a competitive crop. Sugar beet is
agro-ecologically suitable for the region and to be grown in rabi season replacing tobacco. But this
would require a strong R&D program supported with industrial, financial and procurement incentives
as have been done for tobacco and sugarcane.

xiii) Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices

For the purposes of this Strategic Plan, sustainable agriculture could be considered as agriculture that
improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological
processes on which life depends. A key principle for sustainable agriculture is to take a holistic view
of the industry at every level from individual plant-environment interaction thorough to the crops and
landscape level.

To be ecologically sustainable, agriculture must:

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Respond to consumer needs for food and fibre products that are healthy and of high quality;
Take full account of the costs of production, including environmental costs, with the ultimate
objective that the pricing reflects these costs;
Protect and restore the natural resource base on which agriculture depends, and prevent adverse off-
site impacts on the environment and any other sector of the community; and
Be financially viable.

By sustainable agricultural practices we mean a productive, competitive and efficient way to produce
safe agricultural products, while at the same time protecting and improving the natural environment
and social/economic conditions of local communities. Sustainable agriculture is treated as the ability
of farmland to produce food and other agricultural products to satisfy human needs indefinitely as
well as having sustainable impacts on the broader environment. This requires agriculture to avoid
severe or irreversible damage to the endogenous or external ecosystem services upon which it
depends, notably soil fertility, irrigation water, genetic variability, etc. and have acceptable impacts on
the broader environment (environmental stewardship). Sustainable agriculture integrates three main
goals- social acceptance or responsibility, economic profitability and environmental stewardship.

Due to natural and man-made causes Bangladesh is losing 1.75 percent of its arable land each year –
faster than its population growth of 1.5 percent. This means that by 2025, its poorly performing
agricultural sector will have to feed 19 million more people with considerably less land.
For food security reasons, it is imperative for farmers to deploy innovative and sustainable practices
and technologies, such as stress-tolerant seed varieties that withstand prolonged periods of
submergence, and drought conditions.

It is necessary to work integrate the efforts of both the private and the public sectors to build greater
efficiencies in the use of their resources.
Measures to Attain Sustainable Crop Production Practices

a) Improving Soil Health Management

As discussed in the section 7.1 (b) it is the soil fertility level in the region is poor and the organic
matter content is dangerously low, which is in most cases less than < 1 percent. But a good soil should
have at least 2.5 percent organic matter. Soil organic matter influences the physical, chemical and
biological properties of soils. It improves soil physical conditions viz soil structure, water holding
capacity, aeration and protect soil erosion. It’s a storehouse of plant nutrients, chiefly N,Pand S. It
serves as a food and energy for beneficial organisms viz - Nitrogen fixing bacteria (e.g Rhizobium,
Azobtobacter), earthworms under high land and medium high land situation has been declining over
time. It is believed that the declining productivity of this country’s soils is the result of depletion of
organic matter due to increasing cropping intensity, higher rates of decomposition of organic matter
under the prevailing hot and humid climate, use of lesser quantities of organic manure, little or no use
of green manure practices etc. Strengthening campaign and motivational activities with demonstration
in the farmers condition benefits of organic matter use and special program for the preservation of
scarce cow dung and adding of crop residue in in soil, inclusion of green manure crops like cowpea
(Vigna sinensis), dhaincha, sun hemp, etc.

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Green manure crops improve soil structure; increase water holding capacity and decrease soil loss by
erosion. Growing of green manure crops in the off-season reduces weed proliferation and weed
growth. It also helps in reclamation of alkaline soil and can control Root knot nematodes. loss by
erosion. Growing of green manure crops in the off-season reduces weed proliferation and weed
growth. It also helps in reclamation of alkaline soil and can control Root knot nematodes.

b) Reducing Irrigation Cost by Surface Water Irrigation: The 1st phase of Teesta Barrage Project
was implemented with a target to provide supplementary irrigation (in kharif-II season to grow T
Aman) facility to 111,406 ha. Against this target the achievements were 65,735 ha during 2013-2014
and 27,486 ha during 2014-2015. The target set for rabi season was set by the Project authority as
70,000 ha and achievements against this target were 27,486 during 2013-14 and 8,572 ha during
2014-2015.T Aman is basically grown under rain fed condition and supplementary irrigation at later
stage of crop production at a situation of short duration drought (occurred in some year) can increase
production by 15-18 percent. As par a Project Brief prepared by the Project authority grain production
during kharif-II season (T Aman) was estimated at 1,349,368 MT, so maximum contribution of the
project @ 18 percent is 242,686 MT only. It has been observed that in some areas of the Teesta
Barrage Project rabi is supported with partial irrigation with canal water within the shallow tube well
areas. This is a good example of consumptive use of ground and surface water to meet the irrigation
need of particular crop. This effort should be encouraged and given legal coverage to minimize the
irrigation cost.

Because of unilateral withdrawal of river water in the upstream area outside Bangladesh, the project
beneficiaries are not getting water from the canal system of Teesta Barrage Project during the lean
period. As a result, farmers who intend to grow boro rice are providing irrigation water to their crop
field with Shallow tube wells. One innovative thing we noticed during our field visit in last boro
season (rabi) was the initiative to use canal water (available because of early rainfall) to crop field
established through groundwater sources (particularly, STW) with symphonic technology to reduce
the cost of irrigation. Until the availability of water in the Teesta River is increased by signing treaty
with the neighboring country, the prospect of intensifying irrigation with the TBP is bleak. The
government to develop Teesta Treaty at an early date must carry out Allout efforts. At the same time
there would be indispensable need of dredging the main Teesta River in the upper riparian country
and the lower part.
Since the area has rich groundwater aquifer, non-rice high value crops would be promoted with minor
irrigation devices. This should be supported with improved distribution system, may be with buried
pipe to minimize distribution loss of irrigation water.

c) Dredging of River Teesta and Re-excavation of Silted up Small Rivers, Canals and Khals

To save people of Lalmonirhat, Kurgram and Gaibandha districts down the Teesta Barrage at Dalia
point up to Teesta mukh ghat of Gaibandha to a length of about 100 km (near Jamuna river) from
flood/flash flood dredging program under a comprehensive plan should be undertaken. This effort will
increase carrying capacity of the river, will reduce formation of the char lands and enhance fish
culture in the area. Again, this will obviously improve drainage facilities of the area.
Government of Bangladesh is implementing several projects for excavation of silted up khals and
other waterways to facilitate conservation of surface water. This effort should be strengthened further
to harness potential water resources. Again, provision for providing appropriate types of hydraulic
structure should be there at the outfall along with re-excavation works of khals/canals to facilitate

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conservation of surface water for irrigation and other purposes. This effort will have positive effect on
availability of surface water if necessary hydraulic structures are constructed at suitable locations to
store water during the rainy season. Through this effort, the farmers will be able to use conserved
surface water at the initial stage of crop establishment and may be they will require to use
groundwater at the later stage of crop raising reducing their dependence on groundwater and ensuring
consumptive use of water to grow crops. This activity should be strengthened in the TBR as surface
water availability in this area become scarce during the lien period.

d) Increasing On-Farm Water Management towards Improving Water Use Efficiency:

To ensure efficient use of irrigation water, improvement of distribution system is very important in
light texture soil situation like TBR, where water use efficiency is 28-30 percent (IIMI study). In this
context programs should be taken up for construction of buried pipe distribution system with all
DTWs and LLPs above 1.00-cusec discharge capacity. And for STWs and LLPs below 1.00 cusec
capacity hosepipe should be provided/used to minimize water losses and increase water use
efficiency.
The pertinent issues of OFWM technologies in relation to improvements for intensification and
diversification of crops in order to attain micro-level food and nutritional security are: Command Area
Delineation, Water requirement and Irrigation scheduling, Water conveyance system, Supplemental
irrigation, Water losses, Water control structure, O & M of irrigation equipment, Drainage, Local
level flood management, Water Users Group/Association, Water quality, Training and Demonstration
etc.
e) Arresting Desertification Process in the TBR

The process of desertification needs to be urgently addressed by improving water flow in the Teesta
and in all associated rivers. The Government of Bangladesh with utmost importance should negotiate
with the neighboring countries withdrawing/diverting water from river Teesta. This would require
improving the capacity of water diplomacy of different division/departments responsible for
development and utilization of water resources in the country. The GRC should be a vibrant
organization on developing and maintaining of all related water and environmental databases. The
Secretariat of the GRC along with the respective Ministries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should
try to provide all technical and logistic supports in order to reach an agreement for water sharing in
the Teesta riaver with India at an early date. We should get our share of minimum 4000 cusec of
water in the Teesta during the lean period.
Failure to reach an agreement the TBR would be a desert; no sensible continental and intercontinental
nation would like to see such a disaster to happen over a vast area of arable lands in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the Government of Bangladesh may solicit regional and international cooperation to
avert the eminent crisis.

As we have mentioned earlier, that the Teesta in the Bangladesh part is largely silted up and its
associated rivers are dying or already dead. The Government should invest on capital dredging to
improve water conservation in the region.

f) Leveraging Farming for Revamping Agricultural Productivity in the Teesta Region

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The farmers’ Woes due to paucity of water, severe drought, low moisture content in the root zone and
depletion of aquifer must be addressed through better management practices as well as precision
farming supported by quality input supply. A good number of interventions have been suggested
above for crop, fisheries and livestock. The potential of these interventions must be realized by
developing i) a detailed technical plan by an Inter-agency regional taskforce, ii) in order to support the
implementation of the plan developed by taskforce large investment would be required. The
Government of Bangladesh should develop a Teesta Agricultural Development Investment Plan.
There could be a series of consultation and dialogue both with the government departments and
Development Partners to fetch resources for the region.
g) Promotion of Mechanized Cultivation

The TBR suffers from various intensity of drought across seasons. Labor crisis in the rural area of the
region is negatively impacting agricultural practices and increasing crop production cost. There are
failure of crops and problem of establishing crops and conserving moisture in the root zone is a
difficult task. Appropriate tillage practice with short turn over period and required depth of tillage are
prerequisite for establishing crops. FGDs finding reveals the scarcity of labor during peak operation
period, farm mechanization will ease the situation.

Agricultural mechanization is not developed as expected. Crop production practices like land
preparation, sowing, weeding, fertilizer application, pesticide spraying and harvesting crops etc. are
characterized by traditional farming methods. Small-scale mechanization is increasing though the use
of two-wheeled tractors for tillage, hand hoe for weeding, knapsack hand operated sprayer for
pesticide application. But the agricultural machineries are at the hand of the medium to big farmers.
Small farmers have little or no access to farm machineries. Due to lack of capital resource poor
farmers are not capable of procuring machineries they require, but rent from the big farmers or petty
operators, at the rate fixed by the owner.
Therefore, the strategy for farm mechanization should focus on the following:

Requisite incentives to private sector to set up mechanization center to provide machinery and
equipment hire service to smallholder farmers.

The provision of financial incentives by Government to local Institutes to develop technological

design and develop appropriate farm tools and machinery that are suitable for different categories of
farmers and farming systems.

Strengthening support services to promote mechanization especially small scale farmers by:

Government financing of research at public and private institutions to accelerate the development of
appropriate smallholder agricultural mechanism and agro-processing technologies.

Supporting training and demonstrations on the use of new technologies through extension service and
private sector.

8.2 Fisheries Development Options

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Fisheries and aquaculture is important livelihood for the people of Teesta basin areas. The resources
have been described in (Appendix 5, Table 1). The opportunity of fisheries production potentials are
described by habitats below:

8.2.1 Riverine Fisheries

Community based fisheries management: Large area of public water bodies exists in the region with
low productivity of fisheries. The community based fishery management by involving CBOs and
NGOs is a good option for efficient management of public water bodies. It is also create the
alternative income sources for poor fishers. The local administration should arrange the distribution of
public water bodies among the real fishers and their capacity should be enhanced by training to
increase productivity.

Establishment of community managed sanctuary: Establishment and maintenance of fish sanctuaries

is one of the key instruments to maintain the sources of fish fingerlings and to conserve aquatic
diversity. To enhance productivity of riverine ecosystem as well as to conserve biodiversity, wetland
sanctuary may be actively considered in feasible areas of Teesta basin. The river, canals and khals in
Teesta region are almost silted up. Government should takeup a biggoras re-xcavation program of all
the water bodies and in all main cources of river and canels delinationg potentials location of
sanctuaries.
Expansion of cage and pen farming: In riverine ecosystem cage and pen farming may be introduced
by involving local beneficiaries. Teesta barrage water distribution canals may be considered for cage
farming. Where secondary and tertiary canals could be used for pen farming. To reduce the poverty
level of the poor fish farmers/fishers of Teesta Basin through creating employment opportunities,
expansion of area-specific cage and pen farming in feasible water areas is prioritizing to address the
vulnerabilities. After conducting an in-depth feasibility study, these farming protocols may be
undertaken by involving local beneficiaries.

8.2.2 Beel and Floodplain Fisheries

Restoration of habitats and establishment of beel nurseries: FGDs and field visit represent CVR
detraction of fish habitat. This has happened because of expansion of crop agriculture and drying up
of water bodies in the entire Rangpur region. During lean period the Teesta river bad displayed lot of
sand and ceil with a narrow water cannel. Until the water flow in Teesta is increased through mutual
inter-governmental agreement and dredging of Teesta river is done in the downstream. It would not be
possible to sustain any fish habitats. Therefore, the priority need is to obtain more water from upper
riparian countries by water diplomacy.
Expansion of small-scale aquaculture technologies: In the recent past years small-scale floodplain
aquaculture is popularizing at community level. Small-scale aquaculture in potential areas may be
actively considered as one of the important adaptation measures of climate change impacts. It could
be an alternative option of increasing open-water productivity.
Establishment of co-management approaches: Presently government is emphasizing to ensure co-
management approaches of the potential beel and floodplain fisheries to explore its due potentials.
Through strengthening CBOs, co-management approaches may be established for ensuring biological
production system in beel and floodplain fisheries.

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8.2.3 Pond Aquaculture
To sustain pond aquaculture production following areas may be considered on priority basis:

Expansion of aquaculture technologies: Considering the agro-ecological context, government in

collaboration with development agencies and partners is emphasizing for the expansion of drought
resistant and short-cycle species in ponds and seasonal water-bodies. To ensure food security in the
poverty-prone Teesta Basin area, expansion of pond aquaculture could be one of the important
alternative.
Ensure quality seed and feed: For sustainable aquaculture expansion, seed (spawn/ fry/fingerling) and
feed are the most important production inputs. But now-a-days quality seed and feed becomes more
crucial for sustaining the aquaculture production. More attention can be paid to address the crucial
issues.

8.2.4 Maximizing Utilization of Teesta Canal Resources for Aquaculture

There are 1534.99 km of cannels within the TBP. An inter-agency initiative has been taken by DoF
and BWDB for aquaculture in the cannel. It’s a good initiative. It is recommended for quick
implementation of this initiative for scientific aquaculture practices within the cannel system. DoF
should create adequate human resources to manage the cannel under the supervision of local-inter-
agency communities. Annual target of production should be set and a regular monitoring system
should be developed. DoF should attached priority on keeping diversity of fish production with
community managed sanctuary.

8.3 Livestock Development Options

Clearly, increased livestock production will depend ultimately on the adoption of appropriate
technology, improved support services, market access and infrastructural development. Following
sector wise recommended development actions is need to exploring in the TBR (TBR) for developing
there livestock resources.

8.3 .1 Dairy sector

i) Productivity enhancement

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For commercial dairy farm ensure availability imported semen of progeny tested Holstein- Friesian
bulls having milk yield potentiality of 9,500 – 10,000 kg in 305 days lactation period (about 32 kg/d).
Inseminate to local cross bred Holstein-Friesian cows having daily milk yield capacity of at least 10
kg with a lactation period of at least 300 days with imported semen mentioned above. Reared
minimum 5 lactating cows under intensive management ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition,
health care and breeding, proper calf and manure management. It will ensure dairy cattle that will
yield more than 6000 kg milk per lactation (305 days lactation period).

For semi-commercial dairy farm inseminate cross bred Holstein- Friesian cows (yielding 6-10 kg
milk a day) reared under semi intensive management system with semen of progeny tested 50 percent
Holstein- Friesian bulls (50 percent Holstein-Friesian X 50 percent Local) having milk yield capacity
of about 4,500 kg in 305 days lactation period. Rear 2-5 lactating cows under semi-intensive system
that isthat is medium level of inputs supply ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition, health care
and breeding, proper calf and manure management. It will yield more than 3000 kg milk per lactation
(305 days lactation period).

For subsistence farming inseminate native cows reared under low input production system with
semen of progeny tested/ pedigree bulls of Sahiwal, Pabna cattle, RCC, Munshigong, other improved
deshi cattle. Rear 1-3 lactating cows under subsistence farming system that isthat is moderate level of
inputs supply ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition, health care and breeding, proper calf and
manure management. To produce native dairy cattle that will yield more than 1000 kg milk per
lactation (305 days lactation period).

ii) Technological support

Commercial dairy management related technology dissemination and training services to farmers by
DLS, BLRI, BAU, development workers (NGO) and related private sector.
Ensuring availability of high quality semen, veterinary drugs and concentrate feeds and feed additives.
Ensure availability of quality breeding (AI) services and veterinary services.
Ensure prevention of repeat breeding and infertility of dairy cow through lactation phase-wise feeding
and nutrition.
Ensure prevention of FMD, anthrax, HS, mastitis through preventive veterinary care.
Ensure proper calf feeding and management through introduction of milk-replacer and calf-starter.
Production of hygienic milk through ensuring hygiene and sanitation of udder, utensils and milk
parlor.
Ensure importation of quality semen of high-yielding (9500-10,000 liter/lactation) dairy animals.
Ensure local production of quality semen of high-yielding dairy animals by establishing breeding bull
station in the Rangpur region.
Ensure planned management of solid and liquid farm waste through bio-digester, composting or
vermicomposting.
Ensure year-round high-yielding fodder production. There should at least one leguminous fodder in a
year. Farmers should be trained of silage and hay making and their use in the feeding system.

Further processing

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 • Establish chilling station in dairy hub areas and linking it to milk processors/retailer.
• Increase capacity of local milk processors (Rangpur Dairy; Milk Vita; Arong Dairy;
Grameen-Danoon, etc.)
• Establish modern Cheese Production unit in Rangpur area
• Enhance production of sweet-meat and other value-added milk products.

iii) Regulatory support

• Introduce tariff on imported powder milk in favour of local milk.

• Introduce tax holiday on dairy inputs (semen, drug, feed additives) and local dairy products.
• Ensure availability of credit support for farmers and milk-processors at a reasonable service
charge.

8.3 .2 Beef Sector

i) Productivity Enhancement for Beef

• Introduce pure-bred Brahma cattle for commercial beef cattle farmers. Accordingly establish
pure-bred Brahma cattle breeding station with sufficient number of bulls (at least 5) and
cows (at least 500) in Rangpur area at private sector. Provide soft loan, technical and
regulatory support to interested entrepreneur for establishing the pure-bred Brahma cattle
breeding station.

• For commercial beef fattening use pure-bred growing bull/steer of Brahma or Shahiwal or
Shindhi or Pabna breed or cross-bred (Holstein-Friesian cross) or Red Chittagong bull calves
of 150-200kg live weight in the feed lot and rear them for 4-6 months.
• For commercial beef fattening rear atleast 10 fattening bulls/steers under feed-lot
management ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition, veterinary care, bio-security and
proper manure management. It will ensure a growth rate of 0.8-1.0 kg/d for 4-5 months.
• For semi-commercial beef fattening rear at least 3-9 fattening bulls/steers of pure-bred
Pabna or Red Chittagong cattle or cross-bred (Holstein-Friesian cross). Semi-intensive feed-
lot system should ensure animal comfort, adequate nutrition, traceability, veterinary care, bio-
security and proper manure management of the fattened bulls. It is expected that semi-
intensively reared bulls/steers can easily maintain a minimum growth rate of 0.6kg/d for 4-5
months.
• For subsistence level of beef production use 2-3 years old growing bulls/steers of Pabna or
Red Chittagong or cross-bred (Holstein-Friesian cross) or indigenous cattle of 100-150kg live
weight having live weight gain potentiality of 0.4-0.6 kg/d. Rear 1-3 fattening bulls under
stall-fed and/or tethering conditions ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition, and health
care (deworming and vaccination) and proper manure management. It will ensure that animal
will maintain a minimum growth rate of 0.4kg/d for 4-5 months.

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ii) Technological Intervention

• Commercial beef feed-lotmanagement related technology dissemination and training services

to farmers by DLS, development workers (NGO) and related private sector.
• Ensuring availability of high quality semen (in this case Brahma/Simmental semen),
veterinary drugs and concentrate feeds and feed additives.
• Ensure prevention of FMD, anthrax, BQ and HS through preventive veterinary care.
• Calf intended for feed-lot use should receive proper feeding and management through
introduction of milk-replacer and calf-starter. Possibility of suckler-cow system of beef-calf
rearing can be explored.
• Ensure local production of quality semen of high-yielding beef animals (Brahma or
Cimmental) by establishing breeding beef-bull station in Rangpur region.
• Ensure planned management of solid and liquid farm waste through bio-digester, composting
or vermi-composting.
• Ensure year-round high-yielding fodder production. There should at least one leguminous
fodder in a year. Farmers should be trained of silage and hay making and their use in the
feeding system.

8.3.3 Meat Production and Processing

• Establish standard beef cattle auction market ensuring traceability and grading in Rangpur
region and link it to formal meat processors/retailer.
• Increase capacity of local meat processors (Bengal Meat, Pabna Meat etc.) and value added
meat product producers (Bengal Meat, Harvest Rich, Rich).
• Introduce cool-chain in meat production, processing, distribution and marketing at least in
municipality area.

Regulatory Support

• Establish “FMD-Free zones” in designated area of Rangpur as per OIE regulations and also
ensure OIE recognition on FMD-Free status and BSE-Free status of Bangladesh.
• Ensure importation of quality semen of high-yielding beef cattle.
• Ensure local production of quality semen of high-yielding beef cattle.
• Ensure availability of credit support for farmers at a reasonable service charge.
• As Animal and Animal Products Exports and Import are regulated by Bangladesh Animal and
Animal Products Quarantine Act, 2005, Rules 2008 also Animal Slaughter and Meat Control
Act 2011. These regulations must be implemented at least in designated Beef-production
zone.
• Establish traceability of individual stock from paddock to plate specially those animals
intended for export market.
• Introduce tariff on imported meat and meat products in favour of local meat.

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8.3.4 Mutton sector
Productivity enhancement for Goat/Sheep

• Introduce purebred Boar goat and pure-bred Dorper sheep for commercial Goat/Sheep farm.
Accordingly establish purebred Boar goat and pure-bred Dorper sheep breeding farm
with sufficient number of bucks/rams (at least 50) and does/ewes (at least 500) in Rangpur
area at private sector. These farms will supply breeding stock to the small-scale commercial
high-yielding goat/sheep farm. Provide soft loan, technical and regulatory support to
interested entrepreneur for establishing the pure-bred Boar goat and/or pure-bred Dorper
sheep breeding station.
• For small-scale commercial goat/sheep farm rear pure-bred Boar goat/ Droper sheep under
intensive feed-lot management ensuring animal comfort, adequate nutrition, veterinary care,
bio-security, traceability and proper manure management. Size of this type of farms can range
from 15-20 does/ewes with at least two buck/ram.
• For Semi-intensive goat/sheep production rear minimum 8-12 pure breed Black Bengal
does or Bengal Sheep under semi-intensive management ensuring animal comfort with perch
system of housing, adequate supplemental feeding and nutrition, health care, traceability and
proper manure management. It will ensure two kidding/lambing in a year with a litter size of
at least 2 kids/lambs per birth that can attain 17 kg weight in 9-12 months period. To ensure
regular breeding, 1-2 high quality pure-bred Black Bengal buck or Bengal ram should also be
reared along with female stock.
• For subsistence level of goat/sheep production at land-less or marginal farmers level, rear
minimum 4-6 pure-bred Black Bengal does under semi-intensive management ensuring
animal comfort with perch system of housing, adequate supplemental feeding and nutrition,
health care and proper manure management. It will ensure two kidding/lambing in a year with
a litter size of at least 2 kids per birth that can attain 17 kg weight in 9-12 months period.
There should be individual level pure-bred Black Bengal buck station in the community for
goat rears’. For sheep rears’ one ram should be reared along with 4-6 ewes.

Technological intervention

• Technology dissemination and training services to farmers for maintenance of commercial

goat/sheep breeding farm and feed-lot management by DLS, BLRI, development workers
(NGO) and related private sector.
• Ensuring availability of high quality breeding stock of pure-bred Boer goat, Dorper sheep,
Black Bengal goat, and Bengal sheep.
• Ensure availability semen quality vaccine (e.g., PPR, Goat/Sheep Pox, Enterotoxaemia)
veterinary drugs and concentrate feeds and feed additives.
• kid/lamb intended for feed-lot use should receive proper feeding and management through
introduction of milk-replacer and calf-starter.
• Ensure planned management of solid and liquid farm waste through bio-digester, composting
or vermicomposting.

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Mutton production and processing

• Establish standard goat/sheep auction market ensuring their traceability and grading in
Rangpur region and link it to formal meat processors/retailer.
• Increase capacity of local meat processors (Bengal Meat, Pabna Meat etc.) and value added
meat product producers (Bengal Meat, Harvest Rich, Rich).
• Introduce cool-chain in meat production, processing, distribution and marketing at least in
municipality area.
Regulatory support

• Establish “FMD and PPR-Free zones” in designated area of Rangpur as per OIE regulations
and also ensure OIE recognition on FMD-Free status and BSE-Free status of Bangladesh.
• Ensure availability of credit support for farmers at a reasonable service charge.
• As Animal and Animal Products Exports and Import are regulated by Bangladesh Animal and
Animal Products Quarantine Act, 2005, Rules 2008 also Animal Slaughter and Meat Control
Act 2011. These regulations must be implemented at least in designated Beef-production
zone.

8.3.5 Poultry Sector

i) Productivity enhancement for Chicken and Duck

• Establish parent-stock farm of RIR and Fayoumi chicken to supply commercial strain of
Sonali chicken in Rangpur area at private sector. Provide soft loan, technical and regulatory
support to interested entrepreneur for establishing the parent-stock farm of RIR and Fayomi
chicken.
• Establish parent-stock farm Khaki-campbell, Xing Ding, Indian Runner, Pekin and
Mascovi ducks to supply commercial strains of egg and meat purpose ducks in Gaibandha
area at private sector. Provide soft loan, technical and regulatory support to interested
entrepreneur for establishing these parent-stock duck farms.
• Regulate quality of broiler or layer chicks produced by the commercial hatcheries.
• Establish large scale (≥50,000 birds) environment-controlled commercial layer/broiler farm
in Kurigram/Lalmonirhat/Nilphamari area ensuring adequate bio-security and food-safety
measures.
• Establish small scale (500-1,000 birds) semi-commercial broiler/layer/duck farm with
ensured bio-security and food-safety measures at village level.
• For increasing native chicken/duck production ensure proper housing, adequate
supplemental feeding and nutrition, regular deworming and vaccination (especially, New
Castle, Fowl Pox, Gumboro, Duck plague), predator control and proper waste management.

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ii) Technological intervention

• Technology dissemination and training to chicken/duck breeding farm and commercial farms
by DLS, BLRI, development workers (NGO) and related private sector.
• Ensuring quality control of available broiler/layer/sonali chicks and ducklings at districts,
upazila and union level.
• Ensure prevention of major poultry diseases at all level of chicken/duck production through
preventive veterinary care, proper bio-security measures and reliable waste management.
• Ensure quality control measures of available poultry feed at districts, upazila and union level.
• Ensure quality control measures of available poultry drugs/feed additives at districts, upazila
and union level.
• Ensure planned management of solid and liquid farm waste through bio-digester, composting
or vermicomposting.
iii) Poultry Meat production and processing

• Establish export oriented standard poultry processing factory in Rangpur region. This factory
should be both for fresh chicken as well as value added chicken products and must maintain
OIE/WTO standard so as to comply with international chicken trade regulations.
• Establish standard egg processing factory in Rangpur region. This factory should be both for
fresh eggs (packer) as well as value added egg-products and by-products. It also must
maintain OIE/WTO standard so as to comply with international egg trade regulations.
• Introduce cool-chain in chicken meat/egg product processing, packaging, distribution and
marketing.

iv) Regulatory support

• Introduce tariff on imported poultry products in favour of local poultry products.

• Introduce tax holiday on poultry inputs (chicks, drug, and feed additives).
• Ensure importation of quality chicken (RIR and Fayoumi chicken) and duck (Khaki-
Campbell, Xing Ding, Indian Runner, Pekin and Mascovi) parent stock.
• Ensure availability of credit support for farmers at a reasonable service charge.
• Ensure implementation of Bangladesh Animal and Animal Products Quarantine Act, 2005,
Rules 2008 at all levels of chicken trade.

8.4 Marketing and Value Chains: Potentials and Development Options

8.4.1 Development Potentials

i) Potato production and processing

Potato is the 3rd most important food crop next to rice and wheat in the region. In the recent years the
production of potato has increased tremendously. At present, Bangladesh is holding the top 8th
position in world ranking. Bangladesh has surplus potato production. In 1989-90, national potato
production was about 1.07 million tons from 0.117 million hectare. In 2009-10, the production raised
up to 9.0 million tons from 0.5 million ha. The important reasons for increase are the use of improved
varieties, adoption of appropriate agro-techniques, application of modern pest and disease

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management techniques and use of improved quality seeds. In the coming years production is
expected to be much more. Global potato production for the year 2010 was around 320 million metric
tons of which China dominates the market by contributing around 23.15 percent followed by India at
11.3 percent, Russia 6.5 percent, Ukraine 5.7 percent, USA 5.6 percent, Germany 3.2 percent Poland
2.7 percent and Bangladesh 2.5 percent. In Bangladesh, there is increasing trend in potato production
(Fig 8.10) and around 36 percent of total production of potato in Bangladesh was produced in
Rangpur in 2013-2014 (Fig 8.10).

Figure 8.9 Increasing Trend in Potato Production in Bangladesh

Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics, 2015 and authors estimation

Figure 8.10 Trend in Potato Export of Bangladesh (Thousand MT)

Source: Year Book of Agricultural Statistics, 2015 and author’s estimation

Potato is a very prospective crop in region. The soil and the climate both are suitable for vertical and
horizontal expansion. If the process of utilization and marketing of the fresh and processed products
are developed, the potato industry will boost up, the employment opportunities, gender deployment,
poverty alleviation, etc. at a significant rate. Potato processing is a viable market in Bangladesh and

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has a high likelihood of improving economic growth, and creating job opportunities. The conclusion
is based primarily on market viability and potential for growth within the industry. Both internal and
external demand for potato flakes and powder are very high and Bangladesh’s processors currently
have access to the market and viable opportunities for export (Fig. 8.7). Furthermore, due to the
utilization of fresh raw materials, there is high demand among target markets for Bangladesh’s for
high quality processed potato products.

The utilization of potato is being diversified day by day with value addition. New emerging areas are
poultry, animal, fishmeal, feeds besides seed business, export, and industrial and domestic processing.
Farmers’ economy will be changed with social security, and service oriented organization will
develop (Cold storages and agro-processing centers). There are several reasons for expecting so:

• Growing demand (both local and global market) for potato products (Chips, French fries,
flakes, powder, starch, rings, crackers, dehydrated potato products, etc.).
• Possibility to produce high quality products, which are competitive with international brands.
• Private sector market actors entering the market.
• Support to a few companies will lead to higher demand of fresh potatoes and process product.

8.4.2 Establishing Cold Storage through Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

In Bangladesh, more than 356 cold storages are operating at present with the storing capacity of about
4.0 million tons. The storing capacity is only 25-30 percent of the total production. Building more
cold storages is not the only solution for incoming high production, but finding out the ways of
utilization of the produce are the most important tasks for government, non-government and private
organizations and the producers.

The production of potato in the region is greatly influenced by many postharvest problems such as
storage, price fluctuation; demand for potato etc. lack of cold storage facilities, potato is shriveled,
rotten or sprouted causing huge loss of potato under normal temperature and humidity. Since the
prevailing cold storage charge is too high, all farmers can not avail the facility of cold storages due to
their financial insolvency. As a result, farmers are compelled to sell a major portion of their produce
during harvest time relatively at lower prices. The price becomes very low during peak harvesting
period while it becomes too high before planting period.

A case study in the region found that in the year 2010, 97000 tons of potato was preserved in 10
sampled plants against the potential storage capacity of 97000 tons, in which 100 percent capacity
was utilized. The average potential capacity was 9700 tons which varied from 4000 to 16000 tons per
plant and the average quantity of potato stored was 9700 tons (Table 8.11, 8.12). About 42 percent of
the total quantity of potato was stored in 4 plants having a total storage capacity of 41000 tons varying
from 8001-12000 tons per plant.

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Table 8.11 Distribution of cold storage plants according to potential capacity and capacity
utilized

Range in potential Capacity utilized of

storage capacity (in Number of Potential capacity Utilized potential capacity
tons) plants (tons) capacity (tons) (%)
4000-8000 4(40.0) 25000(26) 25000(26) 100
8001-12000 4(40.0) 41000(42) 41000(42) 100
12001-16000 2(20.0) 31000(32) 31000(32) 100
Total 10(100.0) 97000(100.00) 97000(100.00) 100
Average capacity 9700 9700 100
Figures within parentheses indicate percentages of total.
Source: Hajong et al. (2014)

Table 8.12 Cold storage plants and quantity stored according to sources of potato

Quantity of stored potato (tons)

Sources Table potato Seed potato Total Total stored potato (%)
Plant owners 9550(30) 21800(70) 31350(100) 32.32
Traders 31200(71) 12450(29) 43650(100) 45.00
Growers 14050(64) 7950(36) 22000(100) 22.68
All sources 5480056) 42200(44) 97000(100) 100.00
Figures within parentheses indicate percentages of total.
Source: Hajong et al. (2014)

8.4.3 Improving Post-harvest Management and Processing

The region is surplus in vegetables, spices and fruits production. Vegetables and fruits are transported
to the domestic and international markets. There has been a growing demand for fruits and vegetables
and their processed products. In turn, the prospects of developing export markets have also emerged.

Significant post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables, and inadequate cold storage facilities are a
major constraint in the region for transformation of high-value agriculture. Due to lack of many post
harvest arrangements, the market actors use illicit preservation techniques by applying hazardous
chemicals, compromising on food safety. Food contamination exposure also occurs due to lack of
processing capacity and lack of access to technologies to store harvested produce.

Products currently obtained from processed fruits and vegetables are jam, sauce, jelly, pickles, and
fruit juice. Other than tomato sauce and paste and packing of green peas in preservatives, vegetables
processing are not significant. In 1986, only 12 fruit and vegetable processing industries operated in
Bangladesh. An agriculture sector team survey indicates that processing enterprises increased to 53 in
1991, and the Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute found an increase to 1,000 in 2000, most of
which are in Dhaka.

About 72 percent of vegetables are grown during the winter season, whereas the remainder is
cultivated during the summer. To ensure sufficient supply of fruits and vegetables across all seasions,
proper storage facilities and processing should be prioritized.

104
Fruits and vegetable processing involves such activities as pre-cooling, washing, grading, treating,
storage, dehydration, pickling, peeling, slicing, crushing, extraction, blanching, sterilizing, filling,
scaling and sealing containers. In most cases, operations are done manually. About 75 percent of the
permanent and casual workers in processing units are women. So, establishing agro-processing center
in the region will enhance employment opportunities of women. If the processing enterprises are
established in the region it could acquire raw materials mainly from the nearest local markets. Vertical
integration of the industry also could be emerged.

To harness the potential of postharvest handling, processing and value chain development in the
region, the following must be done:

• Prioritize the postharvest sector to ensure food security, alleviate poverty, increase
employment opportunities and promote national and foreign investment;
• Create a network of growers, entrepreneurs, technology providers and consumers to
accelerate sectoral investment;
• Establish postharvest research and development programs at the regional-level to generate
appropriate technologies, for pre-harvest treatment, harvesting at proper maturity stages,
postharvest handling of fresh produce, the application of postharvest treatments, cost effective
packaging, appropriate transportation, the production of value added products, and product
formulation, dehydration and processing to assure quality and food security.
• Promote human resource development, with emphasis on education and training of scientists,
processors, extension agents, farmers, industrialists and marketing agents. All human resource
programs should consist of long- and short-term activities;
• On-farm sorting, pre-cooling, packing and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables are
essentially required for distant/export marketing.
• Maintain transport and storage infrastructure (e.g., roads, storage facilities, cold storage
structures) and the legislation required to maintain these in good condition;
• Maintain quality standards for food safety, food security, and international trade;
• Support equipment manufacturers;
• Provide financial and technical support for the development of packaging industries;
• Promote fiscal policies conducive to development (e.g., anomalies in duties and taxes should
be removed); and
• Promote information-sharing via digital media, training courses, meetings, and conferences.

8.4.4 Development Agricultural input industries

There is growing demand for quality seeds, feeds, vaccines, veterinary drugs and pesticides in the
region. Such agricultural input industries could be established through public private partnership. If
industries are concentrated in a particular zone than input supply network could be developed and
would enhance agricultural productivity, employment, incomes and reduce poverty and food
insecurity of region and country as a whole.
8.4.5 Improving market linkages and development of value chains
i) Improvement of roads and market infrastructure

105
A number of priority investments have been identified: (i) Construction and adequate maintenance of
rural roads to facilitate marketing of products and access to services in particular in remote areas. (ii)
Construction or rehabilitation of rural markets including the supply of potable water, drainage, and
storage facilities to improve conditions. (iii) Improvement and rehabilitation of wholesale markets in
major cities; (iv) Private storage facilities to reduce losses and increase value added.
ii) Capacity building of value chain actors and market promotion
The potential area investments are: (i) Capacity building of farmers for group marketing and inputs
procurement at community level (ii) Capacity development of farmers and market intermediaries
through training in food quality and safety regulations and requirements, good agricultural practices
(GAP) so as to comply with market requirements; (iii) Improved post harvest management, value
chain analysis and facilitation (iv) Facilitate coordinated, market-based action, harnessing the
productive capacity of agriculture to drive food security, environmental sustainability and economic
opportunity. (v) Enhance opportunities for participation of women for value chain development

iii) Improving value chain of mango and litchi

Support will be needed for improved technology of Haribhnga mango variety, litchi variety,
postharvest management, packaging and transportation and marketing.

iv) On-farm research on marketing and value chain development

It is necessary to promote on-farm research on marketing and value chain development. This will
facilitate technology generation, dissemination and capacity development of farmers for marketing
and value chain improvement.

8.4.6 Making Agro-commodity Markets of DAM Operative

To rejuvenate the 18 established markets, several urgent interventions are needed.

 Make DAM solely accountable to make the market functioning;
 Create awareness and demonstrate facilities to the local producers and traders;
 Setting up of training program for capacity building of market players;
 Link the field market outlets to the national wholesale/super markets;
 Make Hortex Foundation responsible along with DAM and DAE, DLS and DoF for arranging
production, processing, and value addition for export market; and
 Establish High power monitoring committee at the MoA to guide the DAM as well as the
implementation committees developed for different level.

8.4.7 Agribusiness Development in the Charland

There are more than 2 million people living in around 900 chars formed by three major rivers – the
Jamuna, Padma and Teesta – in north and northwestern region. Economic opportunities for these poor
and vulnerable char dwellers, mostly dependent on agriculture and livestock for livelihood, are
impeded due to geographical isolation, lack of access to basic services, weak markets and effects of
climatic hazards such as floods. However, chars can transform into prominent production zones for
their high soil fertility and land availability with a functioning market system for the poor,
contributing to pro-poor growth, and thereby alleviate poverty. Intervention is needed for Making
Markets Work for the Chars (M4C) with the aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of char
households in TBR region by facilitating market systems that enhances opportunities for employment
and income generation. It is necessary to enhance private and public sector business services and an

106
improved enabling environment that would lead to more competitive enterprises, sustainable
economic growth and poverty reduction. It would improve competitiveness of farmers and small
businesses, and increase their income. M4C would facilitate broad range of public agencies (research,
extension), private companies (agro-input, agro-processing) and local service providers (retailers,
traders, etc.) to promote and provide inputs and services, strengthen supply chains, as well as test new
business models to bring about required changes in the market systems. M4C would also addresses
cross-cutting issues such as women's economic empowerment and disaster risk reduction in its
activities within these sectors. It would facilitate formation of producer groups on the chars creating a
platform for the producers to build effective business relationships and transact with private as well as
public market actors. The farmers should gain knowledge on improved production practices and need
to be connected to markets, thus improved their economic roles in agricultural production.

The M4C portfolio should include agriculture/farming sectors such as maize, chili, jute, onion,
groundnut, mustard, rice in addition to handicrafts as off-farm and char transport system and financial
services as cross-cutting sectors. By facilitating changes in services, inputs and product markets, it
would foster the competitiveness of poor farmers and small businesses in key rural sectors.

8.4.8 Promoting Agribusiness

Promoting SMEs through Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

In this country SMEs play a key role in sustainable agriculture development and employment
generation. Potential agro-based SMEs need to be developed based on local resources. It requires
development of basic infrastructure for processing of agro-commodities; provision for training (skill
training, upgrading of skills and Business Development training); research and Development of
appropriate technology and its transfer; activities for fostering strong partnerships with chambers,
associations/intermediary organizations and larger enterprises; provisions for adequate financial
services for agribusiness (accessible and affordable interest rate). Quality awareness among the
farmers/ producers to meet the taste and preferences of the consumer or the processing industries;
development of information center for agribusiness SMEs are pre-requisite. Identification of both
local and export markets and carryout export promotion activities; creating alliances and recognition
of the private sectors as vital development partner of government, donors and civil society
organizations should be encouraged. The main activities should be the tapping the potential for
development of youth and women entrepreneurship; and promotion of public-private partnership,
capacity development of farmers, traders and GOB for Sanitary and phyto-sanitary standard.

Establishing agro-economic zone

The region has high potential of producing good number of high value crops with national and
international demands. The agro ecological suitability and potentiality along with profitability are
providing in section 8.1.2(i-ii). The region has high connectivity with different regions of Bangladesh
and all over the world because of multiple communications facilities (road, rail, river and air). The
government should consider establishing two agro-economic zones in the area; i) Sayedpur,
Nilphamari ii) Gabindaganj, Gaibandha ensuring the following facility-

107
 • Establishing thermal controlled warehouse with adequate compartments for processing of
diversified agriculture produces for export market;
• Declaration of tax holiday policy;
• Special supervised extension program for producing quality commodities;
• Ensure supply of quality seeds and other inputs;
• Creation of sanitary and phytosanitary certification facilities within the zone;
• Establishing milk chilling and meat processing center

8.4.9 Sustainable supply and use of improved quality of inputs

The government should create a favorable business environment for private sector to invest. In this
context lucrative PPP packages could be announced to attract potential investors.

i) Establish regional seed industries and enhance availability of quality seeds

The proposed priority interventions are: Establishment of seed processing industries in the region
expansion of both seed multiplication and processing farms and preservation facilities of BADC,
NARS, DAE, and contract growers; capacity development of public laboratories and SCA for testing
quality of inputs; strengthening participation of NGOs and private sector in seed distribution; capacity
development of farmers for autonomous production of quality seeds; and establishment of
mechanisms to ensure availability and reasonable prices of all quality and environmentally friendly
agricultural inputs. Develop public private partnerships through capacity development.

ii) Facilitate access to credit and other financial services by smallholders and the rural poor
There is a strong call for collateral-free bank loans at low interest rates for agricultural purposes.

108
 9 .0 THE STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTING STEPS

A wide range of actors will be involved in the implementation process of IASTBR. This will require a
harmonized coordinated framework for effective and efficient activities and resources. This will be
achieved through the following mechanisms:

9.1 Institution-Building
To plan, monitor, and evaluate the activities related to implementation of the strategic plan, two
committees should form:

I) An inter-agency coordination committee (IACC) will be established at regional headquarters in

Rangpur, which will be composed of (1) heads of collaborating agencies, and (2) representatives of
private companies working at the district-level. The IACC will coordinate the regional planning,and
monitor its implementation. The committee’s terms of reference are

• Assign duties and responsibilities to the service-providing agencies to accomplish in a timely

fashion;
• Provide guidance to the service-providing agencies in planning and implementation of
development programs;
• Monitor progress of program implementation;
• Review progress and revise plan of activities;
• Reporting progress and problems to the concerned departments, ministries, and other key
stakeholders; and
• Resolve any conflicts that may arise between lead departments and local government agencies
regarding domains of authority and influence, and their relative roles in undertaking specific
functions.

9.2 Formation of Inter-agency Technical Committee

The participating departments and agencies (DAE, DLS,DoF, FD, BADC, BWDB, BARI, BRRI,
SRDI) will establish an inter-departmental technical committee (ITC) to act as secretariat of the
IACC. Its terms of reference will include the following:

• Prepare the technical guidelines for the participating organizations in regional agricultural
development;
• Formulate the mandate, roles and functions of the lead organizations;
• Monitor the implementation of IASTBR by the service-providing agencies;
• Act as a coordinating mechanism between lead departments, local government agencies,
NGOs and private companies;

The regional secretariat will monitor the implementation of IASTBR and report to the Ministry of
Agriculture.

9.3 Reorienting Service Providing Mechanism

Farmers are the ultimate receiver and user of the technologies and other services. Programs cannot be
sustained without timely delivery of technologies, inputs, and technical assistance. There is an urgent

109
need to reorient the service delivery mechanism. Figure 9.1 demonstrates an improved mechanism for
service provision in the TBR.
Figure 9.1 Improvised Mechanisms for Service Provision in the TBR
Existing Situation: Proposed Situation:
Service Governed and Supervised from Above Service Delivery Governed by Demands from
People

9.4 Conclusion
A number of multi-disciplinary experts have developed the IASTBR following a rigorous
methodology described in section one. The interventions identified for reversing the degradation trend
are important, but implementation requires adequate financial resources. Teesta River Basin is a
regional and national priority; to promote agricultural development and economic prosperity, the
Government should tap into

The TRB’s resources and ensure the sustainability of the region’s resources. Unfortunately, resource
degradation is happening quickly, and attempts to reverse its effects require huge resources and time.
Bangladesh – with world’s highest population density – cannot afford to lose even an inch of land.
Thus, the following efforts must be prioritized:

110
 • Increase water availability in the Teesta and its associated rivers by national regional and
international efforts;
• Augment surface water resources in the tans-boundary and in all associated rivers and
rivulets;
• Initiate capital dredging down the Teesta Barrage and re-excavation of its distributaries,
rivulets and canals;
• Promote water-saving technological packages for sustainable agricultural development; and
• Strengthening research and development activities to harness the potentials of crop, fishery,
livestock and homestead resources.

In view of the water crisis and degradation of natural resources, it is of utmost importance to improve
the livelihoods in the region. For that reason, a sustainable withdrawal of water in the upper riparian
country – India – to meet the water needs in Bangladesh must be agreed upon through the
development of a water treaty. If the treaty is not made soon, there will be irrevocable ecological
destruction affecting a vast area of India and Bangladesh.

To implement the IASTBR, the Government must reprioritize its development priorities, and allocate
more financial and technical resources to address the Teesta River Basin regional issues. In this
context, an investment plan for the implementation of IASTBR is essential to harness resources from
different government departments, as well as development partners.

111
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Local Government Division (2006), Institutional Studies for legal Framework of Water Management
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Wahra, N.G.N. and Noble, F.U. (1998). Prospects for Fish Culture in Char Areas of Bangladesh, NAGA,
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2
 APPENDICES

Appendix-1: TOR for appointment of consultants by IFPRI to prepare Integrated Agricultural

Work/Strategic Plan for the Teesta Basin Region (TBR)

The Teesta river is the lifeline of agriculture for a vast region in North-western districts of Bangladesh.
The Teesta flowing through Bangladesh’s drought-prone northern regions runs dry during the lean period
due to diverting or overuse of water in the upper riparian of Bangladesh, and the river swells causing
flood and flash flood during rainy season. As a result of these two extremes (excess of water during
monsoon and scarcity of water during dry season), agricultural activities are being severely affected in the
Teesta Basin Region (TBR). Against this backdrop, The Government has decided to prepare anIntegrated
Agricultural Strategy for the Teesta Basin Region (IASTB) for the upliftment of agricultural activities and
enhancement of farmers’ income through sustainable farming system in the region.

The Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in collaboration with
IFPRI will prepare the IASTB. To facilitate the preparation of the IASTB, IFPRI will employ the
following consultant.

1. Position: Consultant (Crop Agriculture)

Employing organization:Policy Research and Strategy Support Programme (PRSSP), International Food
Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Coordinating organization: Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Ministry of Agriculture.
Key outcome: Report (as per duties and functions mentioned below). The report must be aligned with the
outline as prepared by APSU. The individual consultants will submit their reports to the coordinating
consultant who will submit the compiled report to the COP, PRSSP, IFPRI.
Duties and Functions:
1. Assess crop production situation (past and current) and future potential/prospect, as well
as crop-based livelihood options of farming communities through field visits and data
collection, including verification of available data through discussion with farmers,
concerned government officers and other relevant partners;
2. Review relevant documents;
3. Analyze input supply situation for crop production;
4. Identify problems and constraints of current crop production practices along with future
implication or scenarios;
5. Identify solutions along with technological options taking into account agro-ecological
and socio-economic condition ofthe Teesta Basin;
6. Prepare questions for the crop partof the integrated questionnaire/interview schedule to
undertake field survey, focus group discussion and interviews of the relevant
stakeholders;
7. Identify the appropriate interventions (policy, strategy, project/programme and activity)
to enhance crop production and farmers’ income with emphasis on agricultural
diversification and intensification; and

3
 8. Categorize/prioritize interventions as short-, medium- and long-term, as well as identify
resource requirements of the respective interventions.

Academic Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

1. Advanced university degree in crop agriculture, preferably PhD in relevant discipline.
2. At least 25 years experience in crop production/extension/research and /or management will
be given preference. Retired personnels/officials are also eligible to apply.
3. Work experience in and/or knowledge about TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari,
Kurigram) will be given preference;
4. Ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
5. Fluency in English and Bangla, with ability to write technical documents in English;
6. Effective computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered. In addition, the actual cost of
field visits will be borne by IFPRI.

Job/duty location: The position will based in Dhaka with visits to TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram).

Duration: 40 working days in two phases (1st phase 10 days, 2nd phase 30 days). 7

2. Position: Consultant (Fisheries)

Employing organization: Policy Research and Strategy Support Programme (PRSSP),

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Coordinating organization: Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Ministry of Agriculture

Key outcome: Report (as per duties and functions mentioned below). The report must be aligned
with the outline prepared by APSU. The individual consultants will submit their reports to the
coordinating consultant, who will then submit the compiled report to the COP, PRSSP, IFPRI.

Duties and Functions:

1. Assess fish production situation (past and current) and future potential/prospect, as well
as fish-based livelihood options of farming communities through field visits and data
collection including verification of available data through discussion with farmers,
concerned government officers and other relevant partners;
2. Review relevant documents;
3. Analyze input supply situation for fish production;
4. Identify problems and constraints of current fish production practices along with future
implication or scenarios;

7
Among the consultants the seniormost will serve as the coordinating consultant in addition to
her/his regular duties and s/he will be appointed for 50 (10+40) days.

4
 5. Identify solutions along with technological options taking into account agro-ecological
and socio-economic condition ofthe Teesta Basin;
6. Prepare questions for the fisheries part of the integrated questionnaire/interview schedule
to undertake field survey, focus group discussion and interviews of the relevant
stakeholders.
7. Identify the appropriate interventions (policy, strategy, project/programme and activity)
to enhance fish production and farmers’ income with emphasis on agricultural
diversification and intensification.
8. Categorize/prioritize the interventions as short, medium and long-term along with
resource requirement.

Academic Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

i) Advanced university degree in fisheries preferably PhD.
ii ) At least 25 years experience in fish production/extension/research undertaking and /or
management will be given preference. Retired personnels/officials are also eligible to
apply.
iii ) Working experience in and/or knowledge about TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram) will be given preference;
iv ) Ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
v) Fluency in English and Bangla with ability to write technical documents in English.
vi ) Effective computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered. In addition, the actual cost of field
visits would be borne by IFPRI.

Job/duty location:The position will based in Dhaka with visits to TBR(Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram).

Duration: 40 working days in two phases ( 1st phase 10 days, 2nd phase 30 days). 8
3. Position: Consultant (Livestock, Poultry and Dairy)
Employing organization: Policy Research and Strategy Support Programme (PRSSP),
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Coordinating organization: Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Ministry of Agriculture.
Key outcome: Report (as per duties and functions mentioned below). The report must be aligned
with the outline as prepared by APSU. The individual consultants will submit their reports to the
coordinating consultant who will submit the compiled report to the COP, PRSSP, IFPRI.
Duties and Functions:
i) Assess livestock (including poultry and dairy) production situation (past and current) and
future potential/prospect as well as livestock-based livelihood options of farming
communities through field visits and data collection including verification of available

8
Among the consultants the senior most will serve as the coordinating consultant in addition to
her/his regular duties and s/he will be appointed for 50 (10+40) days.

5
 data through discussion with farmers, concerned government officers and other relevant
partners.
ii ) Review relevant documents.
iii ) Analyze input supply situation for livestock production.
iv ) Identify problems and constraints of current livestock production practices along with
future implication or scenarios.
v) Identify solutions to address those problems along with technological options taking into
account agro-ecological and socio-economic condition ofthe Teesta Basin.
vi ) Prepare questions for the livestock part of the integrated questionnaire/interview schedule
to undertake field survey, focus group discussion and interviews of the relevant
stakeholders.
vii ) Identify the appropriate interventions (policy, strategy, project/programme and activity)
to enhance livestock production and farmers’ income with emphasis on agricultural
diversification and intensification.
viii ) Categorize/prioritize the interventions as short, medium and long-term along with
resource requirement.

Academic Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

i) Advanced university degree in preferably PhD in relevant discipline.
ii ) At least 25 years experience in livestock production/extension/research undertaking and
/or management will be given preference. Retired personnels/officials are also eligible to
apply.
iii ) Working experience in and/or knowledge about TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram) will be given preference;
iv ) Ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
v) Fluency in English and Bangla with ability to write technical documents in English.
vi ) Effective computer literacy (word, excel, power point).

Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered. In addition, the actual cost of field
visits would be borne by IFPRI.

Job/duty location:The position will based in Dhaka with visits to TBR(Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram).

Duration:40 working days in two phases ( 1st phase 10 days, 2nd phase 30 days) 9.
4. Position: Consultant (Irrigation and Water Management)
Employing organization: Policy Research and Strategy Support Programme (PRSSP), International
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Coordinating organization: Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Ministry of Agriculture.
Key outcome: Report (as per duties and functions mentioned below). The report must be aligned with the
outline as prepared by APSU. The individual consultants will submit their reports to the coordinating
consultant who will submit the compiled report to the COP, PRSSP, IFPRI

9
Among the consultants the senior most will serve as the coordinating consultant in addition to
her/his regular duties and s/he will be appointed for 50 (10+40) days.

6
Duties and Functions:
i) Assess irrigation and water management situation (past and current) and future scenario
for the farming communities through field visits and data collection including verification
of available data through discussion with farmers, concerned government officers and
other relevant partners.
ii ) Review relevant documents.
iii ) Analyze irrigation and water management equipment supply situation for crop
production.
iv ) Identify problems and constraints of current irrigation and water management practices
along with future implication or scenarios.
v) Identify solutions to address those problems along with technological options taking into
account agro-ecological and socio-economic condition ofthe Teesta Basin.
vi ) Prepare questions for the irrigation and water management part of the integrated
questionnaire/interview schedule to undertake field survey, focus group discussion and
interviews of the relevant stakeholders.
vii ) Identify the appropriate interventions (policy, strategy, project/programme and activity)
towards improved irrigation and water managementpractices to enhance farm production
and farmers’ income with emphasis on agricultural diversification and intensification.
viii ) Categorize/prioritize the interventions as short, medium and long-term along with resoure
requirement.

Academic Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

i) Advanced university degree in irrigation and water managementpreferably PhD in
relevant discipline.
ii ) At least 25 years experience in irrigation and water management extension/research
undertaking and /or management will be given preference. Retired personnels/officials
are also eligible to apply.
iii ) Working experience in and/or knowledge about TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram) will be given preference;
iv ) Ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
v) Fluency in English and Bangla with ability to write technical documents in English.
vi ) Effective computer literacy (word, excel, power point).
Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered. In addition, the actual cost of field
visits would be borne by IFPRI.
Job/duty location:The position will based in Dhaka with visits to TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram).
Duration:40 working days in two phases ( 1st phase 10 days, 2nd phase 30 days) 10.
5. Position: Consultant (Marketing and Value Chain)
Employing organization: Policy Research and Strategy Support Program (PRSSP), International
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Coordinating organization: Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of Bangladesh

10
Among the consultants the senior most will serve as the coordinating consultant in addition
to her/his regular duties and s/he will be appointed for 50 (10+40) days.

7
Key outcome: Report (as per duties and functions mentioned below). The report must be aligned
with the outline as prepared by APSU. The individual consultants will submit their reports to the
coordinating consultant who will submit the compiled report to the COP, PRSSP, IFPRI.
Duties and Functions:
i) Assess marketing and value chainsituation (past and current) and future scenario of
farming communities through field visits and data collection including verification of
available data through discussion with farmers, concerned government officers and other
relevant partners.
ii ) Review relevant documents.
iii ) Analyze input and output marketing system.
iv ) Identify problems and constraints of marketing and value chainalong with future
implication or scenarios.
v) Identify solutions to address those problems along with technological options taking into
account agro-ecological and socio-economic condition ofthe Teesta Basin.
vi ) Prepare questions for the marketing and value chain part of the integrated
questionnaire/interview schedule to undertake field survey, focus group discussion and
interviews of the relevant stakeholders.
vii ) Identify the appropriate interventions (policy, strategy, project/programme and activity)
towards improved marketing to enhance farm production and income with emphasis on
agricultural diversification and intensification.
viii ) Categorize/prioritize the interventions as short, medium and long-term along with
resource requirement.

Academic Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

i) Advanced university degree in marketing and value chainpreferably PhD.
ii ) At least 25 years experience in marketing and value chainrelated extension/research
undertaking and /or management will be given preference. Retired personnels/officials
are also eligible to apply.
iii ) Working experience in and/or knowledge about TBR (Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram) will be given preference;
iv ) Ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
v) Fluency in English and Bangla with ability to write technical documents in English.
vi ) Effective computer literacy (word, excel, power point)
Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered. In addition, the actual cost of field
visits would be borne by IFPRI.

Job/duty location:The position will based in Dhaka with visits to TBR(Rangpur, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari, Kurigram).

Duration:40 working days in two phases ( 1st phase 10 days, 2nd phase 30 days) 11.

How to apply: Interested candidates may apply by sending hard copies and/or soft copies of their
applications with CV no later than 20 January 2015to:

8
 The Chief of Party The Chief of Party
PRSSP, IFPRI PRSSP, IFPRI
House 10 A, Road 35 22 Sech Bhaban
Gulshan-2 Dhaka-1212 Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka
Phone: 9898686, Fax: 9896760 Phone: 9141875, Fax: 9141923
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Points to note: Candidates not possessing the essential qualifications (6.1 and 6.2) should not apply as
their application will not be considered. Any persuasion will disqualify the candidate; only short listed
candidates will be invited for the interview. IFPRI is an equal opportunity employer.

9
 Appendix 2 Table 1: Cereals in TBR by District
Crop District Area (ha) Average Yield (t/ha) Production (ton)
T. Aman Gaibandha 115682 2.53 292675
Kurigram 105052 2.31 242670
Lalmonirhat 77728 2.54 197429
Nilphamari 109115 2.81 306613
Rangpur 156098 2.62 408977
TBR 563675 2.57 1448365
T.Aus Gaibandha 59 1.87 110
Kurigram 136 1.95 265
Rangpur 486 2.2 1069
TBR 681 2.12 1445
Boro Gaibandha 117761 3.94 463978
Kurigram 93182 4.03 375523
Lalmonirhat 53379 3.68 196435
Nilphamari 81257 3.68 299026
Rangpur 132230 3.75 495863
TBR 477809 3.83 1830825
Wheat Gaibandha 2451 2.75 6740.25
Kurigram 12100 2.7 32670
Lalmonirhat 1776 2.65 4706.4
Nilphamari 4090 2.7 11043
Rangpur 3226 2.68 8645
Total 23643 63805
Maize Gaibandha 9456 6.8 64300
Kurigram 5583 6.8 37964
Lalmonirhat 19758 6.74 133169
Nilphamari 12788 6.54 83634
Rangpur 17929 6.7 120124
Total 65514 6.7 439192
Source : Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics, 2014, BBS

Appendix 2, Table 2 : Quick Growing Fruits in Teesta Region

Crop District Area (ha) Yield (t/ha) Prod. (ton)
Banana Gaibandha 1550 20 31000
Kurigram 700 15 10500
Lalmonirhat 275 14 3850
Nilphamari 110 12 1320
Rangpur 1183 14 16562
Total 3818 18 63232

10
Papaya Gaibandha 100 13.38 1338
Lalmonirhat 142 10 1420
Nilphamari 25 10 250
Rangpur 237 11 2607
Total 504 11 5615
Guava Gaibandha 250 15.5 3875
Kurigram 1925 8 15400
Lalmonirhat 175 10 1750
Nilphamari 5 10 50
Rangpur 225 11 2475
Total 2580 10 23550
Litchi Gaibandha 200 10.1 2020
Kurigram 200 9 1800
Lalmonirhat 395 10 3950
Nilphamari 176 12 2112
Rangpur 643 12 7716
Total 1614 11 17598
Lime/Lemon Gaibandha 20 2.5 50
Kurigram 100 2 200
Lalmonirhat 30 3 90
Nilphamari 220 2 440
Rangpur 85 2 170
Total 455 2 950
Source: Source: District Statitics, 2011, BBS

Appendix 2, Table 3: Present Cropping Pattern in the Teesta Region

Cropping Season % of
Land Type
Rabi Kharif-I Kharif-II Coverage
Fruits /Sugarcane/ Ginger/ Turmeric/Aroids 3
Potato Jute/Aus T.aman 3
Wheat Jute/Aus T.aman 4
Potato Maize/Fallow T.aman 3
High Land Maize Fallow T.aman 3
Vegetables Aus T.aman 3
Vegetables G.nut T.aman 1
Boro Fallow T.aman 50
Wheat Fallow T.aman 4
Tobacco Maize T.aman 1
Medium High
Potato-Boro Fallow T.aman 5
Land
Vegetable Jute/Aus T.aman 2
Mustard-Boro Fallow T.aman 2

11
 Potato-Maize Veg./Fallow T.aman 2
Chili/Onion/Garlic Aus/Jute T.aman 1
Potato Vegetables T.aman 3
Medium Low Pulses Aus T.aman 2
Land Vegetables Jute T.aman 2
Mustard Maize Fallow 1
Low Land Vegetables Fallow T.aman 1
Pulses/Mustard Aus Fallow 1
Boro Fallow Fallow 1
Bottom Land Aroids Fallow Fallow 1
Source: Discussion meeting with OFRD, BARI, DAE and Sample Survey, IFPRI

Appendix 2, Table 4: Major Cropping Patterns in Charland

Patterns
Rabi Kharif-I Kharif-II
Boro Fallow T. Aman
Potato Jute T. Aman
Mustard Jute T.aman
Potato Sweet Potato T.aman
Wheat Jute T.aman
Wheat Groundnut Fallow
Chilli /Mustard Jute Fallow
Boro Jute Fallow
Potatoes Maize/G.nut Fallow
Potatoes G.nut T.aman
Boro Fallow T.aman
Lentil Jute T.aman
Mustard –Boro Boro Fallow
Boro Fallow Chilli
Maize Jute Fallow
Groundnut Sesame T.aman
Groundnut Fallow Fallow
Lentil Groundnut Sesame
Chilli Sesame/Oat
Source: FGDs and Consultation Workshops conducted by IFPRI, 2015

Appendix-2 Table 5: Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Irrigated and Non-
irrigated land

12
Item All
Teesta Non-Teesta
Irrigated Non-irrigated Irrigated Non-irrigated
Rice 66.44 78.28 81.94 47.36 72.45
Wheat 1.30 0.19 4.21 0.00 2.04
Potato 16.81 2.63 2.17 0.22 4.86
Maize 7.58 5.22 1.21 41.58 7.23
Jute 1.73 2.16 6.74 2.18 3.65
Mustard 0.40 0.00 0.86 0.00 0.43
Nut/peanut 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.99 2.42
Arum(Kochu) 0.33 0.17 0.06 0.00 0.12
Onion 0.00 0.05 0.50 0.02 0.43
Chili 2.26 0.42 0.21 0.05 0.89
Garlic 0.00 0.04 0.11 0.01 0.12
Ginger 0.33 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.10
Bringal 0.00 0.08 0.32 0.00 0.13
Tobacco 2.37 9.55 0.46 7.52 4.28
All other crops 0.38 0.94 1.01 0.06 0.66
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Appendix-3: Tables of Development Options of Crop Agriculture

Appendix 3, Table 1: Yield Gaps in Crop Sub-sector

Crop Achievable Yield Farmer's average Yield gap (ton/ha)
(t/ha) (t/ha)
Rice Boro rice 5.9 4.47 1.43
MV Aman 5.5 2.57 2.93
MV Aus 3.6 2 1.6
Wheat 2.56 1.87 0.69
Maize 8 7.03 0.97
Jute 2 1.62 0.38
Tuber/Root Potato 19.37 10.69 8.68
Crops Sweetpotato 26.62 9.58 17.04
Pulses Lentil 1.02 0.79 0.23
Chick pea 1.05 0.72 0.33
Oil Crops Mustard 1.37 0.89 0.48
Groundnut 1.5 1.1 0.4
Sesame 0.9 0.6 0.3
Vegetables Tomato 51.5 32.61 18.89
Radish 14.45 8.63 5.82

13
Crop Achievable Yield Farmer's average Yield gap (ton/ha)
(t/ha) (t/ha)
Pumpkin 22.84 8.39 14.45
Cabbage 27.25 16.8 10.45
Cauliflower 21.28 10.73 10.55
Brinjal 21.27 8.63 12.64
Cucumber 16.05 6.89 9.16
Arum 17.14 9.22 7.92
Fruits Mango 15.28 12.87 2.41
Papaya 15.2 11 4.2
Guava 33.28 10 23.28
Lime/Lemon 5.04 2 3.04
Banana 21.3 18 3.3

Appendix 3, Table 2: Profitability of High Value Crops

Cost Return Analysis
Crop
Total Cost Gross return Net Return BCR

T.aman 71372 81253 9881 1.14

Wheat 38271 71760 33489 1.88
Maize 51341 82621 31280 1.61
Jute 96684 119491 22807 1.24
Potato 102093 176804 74711 1.73
Sweet Potato 93430 166700 73270 1.78
Mustard 55160 74107 18947 1.34
Groundnut 32275 55496 23221 1.72
Lentil 50731 60082 9351 1.18
Mungbean 20983 33940 12957 1.62
Onion 193529 315837 122308 1.63
Garlic 132072 231424 99352 1.75
Ginger/Termeric 218574 429973 211399 1.97
Vegetables
Tomato 165310 296520 131210 1.79
Cabbage 111425 203858 92433 1.83
Cauliflower 140039 237216 97177 1.69
Brinjal 135347 444780 309433 3.29
Radish 114594 173063 58469 1.51
Cucumber 186867 326841 139974 1.75

14
 Cost Return Analysis
Crop
Total Cost Gross return Net Return BCR

Water Gourd 234430 386575 152145 1.65

Ash Gourd 200594 349998 149404 1.74
Pointed Gourd 212677 346073 133396 1.63
Fruits
Banana 34553 127533 92980 3.69
Mango 23497 1956497 1933000 83.27
Guava 434248 1320000 885752 3.04
Litchi 15780 102500 86720 6.50

Appendix 3, Table 3: Profitability of Different Cropping Patterns

Land and Cropping Pattern Total Gross- Net return BCR
Irrigation Cost return
Condition
Ginger 251988 461450 209400 1.83
Turmeric 83000 233000 150000 2.81
Banana/ Guava 34500 127500 93000 3.70
High land
T.aman-Vegetables-T.Aus 296682 452700 156018 1.53
Irrigated
T.aman-Wheat-T.Aus 200008 239400 39392 1.20
Fallow-Wheat-Maize 153029 184930 31901 1.21
T.aman-Mustard-Vegetables 261532 455250 193718 1.74
Medium T.aman-Boro-T.Aus 221300 266150 44850 1.20
Highland T.aman-Vegetables-Jute 328200 490750 162550 1.50
Irrigated T.aman-Wheat-Maize 224300 266180 41880 1.19
T.aman-Onion -Maize 348313 491607 146594 1.41
T.aman-Garlic-Maize 167993 407170 242477 2.42
Fallow-Chilli-Jute 192000 422000 230000 2.20
Fallow-Chilli-T.aus 108271 146760 38489 1.36
T.aman-Potato-Vegetables 308400 558050 249650 1.81
T.aman-Wheat-T.Aus 199936 239450 39514 1.20
T.aman-Maize-T.Aus 215700 258100 42400 1.20
Fallow-Mustard-Jute 151850 193500 41650 1.27
Fallow- Pulses- Jute 147400 179500 32100 1.22
Non-Irrigated
T.A man-Potato-Groundnut 340450 447985 107535 1.32
Fallow-Wheat-Maize 151000 202650 51650 1.34

15
 Fallow-Wheat-T.Aus 128600 158150 29550 1.23

Appendix3, Table 5: Pulse Varieties Developed by NARS Institutes and Suitable for Fitting in
Improved Cropping Pattern in the Region
Crop Variety Cropping Season Duration Average Yield (t/ha)
Lentil Bina-masur-2 Rabi 98-100 2.0
Bina-masur-3 Rabi 95-100 2.0
Bina-masur-4 Rabi 96-102 2.0
Bina-masur-5 Rabi 95-104 2.2
Bina-masur-6 Rabi 105-110 2.0
Bina-masur-7 Rabi 108-110 2.4
Bina-masur-8 Rabi 95-100 2.6
Bina-masur-9 Rabi 99-104 2.3
Bari masur-2 (1993) Rabi 105-115 1.8
Bari masur-3 (1996) Rabi 105-115 1.9
Bari masur-4 (1996) Rabi 105-115 2.0
Bari masur-5 (2006) Rabi 110-115 2.2
Bari masur-6 (2006) Rabi 110-115 2.5
Black gram Bina-mas-1 80-85 1.0
Bari mas-1 (1990) Khari-II 65-70 1.5
Bari mas-2 (1996) Khari-II 65-70 1.5
Bari mas -3 (1996) Khari-II 65-70 1.6
Mungbean Bina mung-2 Kharif-I 70-80 1.4
Bina mung-5 Kharif-I 70-80 1.5
Bina mung-6 Kharif-I 64-68 1.5
Bina mung-7 Kharif-I 70-75 1.8
Bina mung-8 Kharif-I 64-67 1.8
Bari mug-6 (2003) 55-58 1.8
Bari mug-7 (2015) 55-60 2
Bari mug-8 (2015) 55-60 2
Chickpea BinaChhola-8 Rabi 125-130 1.8
Bari Chhola-1 (1987) Rabi 115-120 2.2
Bari Chhola-2 (1994) Rabi 120-130 2.8
Bari Chhola-3 (1993) Rabi 120-130 1.9
Bari Chhola-4 (1996) Rabi 120-125 2.7
Bari Chhola-5 (1996) Rabi 128-130 2.8
Bari Chhola-6 (1996) Rabi 16 125-130 2.6
Bari Chhola-7 (1998) Rabi 125-130 2.8
Bari Chhola-8 (1998) Rabi 125-130 2.0
 Appendix 3, Table 4: Profitability of Improved Cropping Pattern Including T.Aus
Pattern Total Cost Gross Return Net Return BCR
Mustard-Boro-T.Aus- T.Aman 163337 336900 173563 2.06
Boro-Fallow-T.Aman 110655 196875 86220 1.78
Fallow-T.Aus-T.Aman 105333 119841 52208 1.14
Mungbean-Pulses-Fallow-T.Aman 104436 131196 26760 1.26
Mungbean- T.Aus- T.Aman 158093 188973 30880 1.2
Potato-Boro-T.Aus.T.Aman 236386 500469 264083 2.06

Appendix-3, Table 6: Present Status and Future Projection of Pulses Cultivation in Teesta Region

Crop District Present Status Projection by Projection by Projection by

2021 2026 2035
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Lentil Gaibandha 136 196 150 225 200 350 300 600
Kurigram 883 1272 1000 1500 1500 2625 2000 4000
Lalmonirhat 112 161 150 225 200 350 300 600
Nilphamari 62 89 100 150 150 263 200 400
Rangpur 176 253 200 300 300 525 500 1000
Total 1369 1971 1600 2400 2350 4113 3300 6600
Mung bean Gaibandha 24 29 100 150 200 320 300 525
Kurigram 61 76 100 150 200 320 300 525
Lalmonirhat 18 22 100 150 150 240 200 350
Nilphamari 14 16 100 150 150 240 200 350
Rangpur 13 21 100 150 150 240 200 350
Total 106 135 500 750 850 1360 1200 2100
Black gram Gaibandha 45 54 100 400 200 320 500 875
Kurigram 156 189 200 300 300 480 500 975
Lalmonirhat 6 8 100 150 150 240 200 390
Nilphamari 115 139 150 225 200 320 250 488
Rangpur 1165 1410 1300 1950 1500 2400 2500 4875
Total 1487 1800 1850 3025 2350 3760 3950 7603
Chickpea Gaibandha 19 18 100 120 150 225 250 438
Kurigram 67 64 100 120 200 300 300 525
Lalmonirhat 3 3 100 120 150 225 200 350
Nilphamari 17 16 100 120 150 225 200 350
Rangpur 17 16 100 120 200 300 300 525
Total 123 117 500 600 850 1275 1250 2188
Source: Source: BBS, 2013-14 and Consultation Workshop at Rangpur

17
Appendix 3, Table 7: Projected Area, and Production of Major Cereals

Crop District Present Status Projection by 2021 Projection by Projection by 2035

2026
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
T.Aman Gaibandha 121500 364500 124000 434000 135000 607500
Kurigram 105052 242670 110000 302500 112500 416250 121000 544500
Lalmonirhat 77728 197429 81500 244500 83000 290500 90000 360000
Nilphamari 109115 306613 114500 354950 117000 409500 125500 464350
Rangpur 156098 408977 165000 536250 167000 617900 18000 72000
TBR 563675 1448365 592500 1802700 603500 2168150 489500 2048350
T.Aus Gaibandha 59 110 28350 28353 31500 94500 35000 122500
Kurigram 136 265 16200 16202 18000 54000 20000 70000
Lalmonirhat 0 0 12150 12152 13500 36450 15000 46500
Nilphamari 0 0 12150 12152 13500 36450 15000 46500
Rangpur 486 1069 28350 28353 31500 94500 35000 122500
TBR 681 1445 97200 97212 108000 315900 120000 408000
Gaibandha 117761 463978 111873 503428 100097 550533 88321 529925
Kurigram 93182 375523 88523 376222 79205 396024 69887 384376
almonirhat 53379 196435 50710 202840 45372 204175 40034 200171
Nilphamari 81257 299026 77194 308777 69068 310808 60943 304714
Rangpur 132230 495863 125619 533879 112396 618175 99173 595035
TBR 477809 1830825 453919 1925146 431223 2079714 409661 2014220
Wheat Gaibandha 2451 6740 2600 7800 2800 9800 3000 12750
Kurigram 12100 32670 13000 39000 14000 49000 15000 60000
Lalmonirhat 1776 4706 1900 5416 2000 6600 2500 9875
Nilphamari 4090 11043 4500 13275 5000 17250 5000 19400
Rangpur 3226 8646 3500 10500 3700 12950 4000 16000
Total 23643 63805 25500 68272 27500 73051 29500 118025
Maize Gaibandha 9456 64300 65000 455000 11500 86250 12500 100000
(Summer+ Kurigram 5583 37964 40000 280000 7000 52500 7500 60000
Winter) Lalmonirhat 19758 133168 133000 931000 24000 182400 26000 208000
Nilphamari 12788 83634 85000 578000 15500 108500 16500 128700
Rangpur 17929 120124 120000 828000 21500 154800 23000 188600
Total 65514 439192 443000 3072000 79500 584450 144500 685300

18
Appendix 3, Table 8: Jute Varieties Developed by BJRI

Variety Year of Growing Sowing Time Duration Yield

Release Season (days) (t/ha)
D-154-2 1961 Kharif-1 1 April- 15 April 115-125 2.24
CVL-1 1977 Kharif-1 1 April- 30 April 122-132 2.46
CVE-3 1977 Kharif-1 15 Feb-30 April 90-105 1.97
CC-45 1979 Kharif-1 1 March- 30 April 150-180 2.49
BJRI Deshi pat -5 1995 Kharif-1 15 March-15 April 105-115 2.45
BJRI Deshi pat -6 1995 Kharif-1 15 March-30 April 90-95 2.12
BJRI Deshi pat- 7 2008 Kharif-1 15 March-15 April 100-110 2.50
BJRI Deshi pat -8 2013 Kharif-1 15 March-30 April 110-115 3.00
O-4 1967 Kharif-1 15 April-15 May 120-155 2.32
O-9897 1987 Kharif-1 15 March-30 April 120-150 2.73
O.M-1 1995 Kharif-1 10 March-15 May 160-165 2.49
BJRI Tossa Pat-4 (O-72) 2002 Kharif-1 15 March-15 May 150-160 2.92
14. BJRI Tossa Pat-5 2008 Kharif-1 15 March-30 April 155-165 3.0

15. BJRI Tossa Pat-6 2013 Kharif-1 15 March- 15 May 140-150 3.5

Appendix-3, Table 9: Oil Crop Varieties Developed by Different NARS Institutes and
Suitable for Fitting in Improved Cropping in the Teesta Region
Crop Variety Cropping Season Duration Average Yield
(ton/ha)
Mustard Bina Sarisa-3 Rabi 85-90 1.9
Bina Sarisa-4 Rabi 80-85 2.0
Bina Sarisa-9 Rabi 75-80 1.8
Bina Sarisa-10 Rabi 78-82 1.8
BARI sarisha-9 Rabi 75-80 1.25-1.45
BARI sarisha-10 Rabi 85-90 1.5-1.8
BARI sarisha-12 Rabi 75-80 1.25-1.45
Sesame Bina-Teel-1 Kharif-I 85-90 1.3
Bina-Teel-2 Kharif-I 90-98 1.4
Bina-Teel-3 Kharif-I 85 1.5
Groundnut Tridana (DM-1) Kharif-I 115-125 2.0-2.2
Jinga (Acc-12) Rabi 145-155 2.4-2.6
Kharif 130-140 2.0-2.2
BARI badam -5 Rabi 140-150 2.5-3.0
Kharif 120-130 1.8-2.0
BARI badam -6 Rabi 140-150 2.2-2.5
Kharif 120-130 1.7-1.9

19
Appendix-3, Table10: Projection for Oil Crops Cultivation in Teesta Region
Projection by Projection by Projection by
Crop District Present Status
2021 2026 2035
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Gaibandha 1763 1234 1900 1900 2100 2625 2800 4200
Kurigram 1834 1834 2000 2500 2200 3300 2900 5075
Lalmonirhat 240 168 500 500 500 625 400 600
Mustard
Nilphamari 564 395 700 700 700 875 900 1350
Rangpur 1030 824 1100 1100 1200 1500 1600 2400
Total 5431 4455 6200 6700 700 8925 8600 13625
Gaibandha 192 230 500 750 200 350 500 1000
Kurigram 855 1069 1000 1750 1000 2000 1500 3375
Lalmonirhat 460 598 500 750 500 1000 1000 2000
Groundnut
Nilphamari 39 51 100 150 100 200 500 1000
Rangpur 145 203 200 330 200 400 500 1000
Total 1691 2151 2300 3730 2000 3950 4000 8375
Sesame Gaibandha 50 16 100 50 100 75 200 200
Kurigram 200 120 200 160 500 450 500 625
Lalmonirhat 120 60 200 160 200 180 200 250
Nilphamari 30 9 100 50 100 75 200 200
Rangpur 50 25 100 85 100 95 200 250
Total 450 230 700 505 1000 875 1300 1525

Appendix-3, Table 11: Projection for Commercial Cultivation of Quick Growing Fruits

Projection by Projection by Projection by

Present Status
2021 2026 2035
Fruit District
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Gaibandha 1550 31000 2000 50000 3000 90000 4000 160000
Kurigram 700 10500 300 7500 500 15000 750 30000
Lalmonirhat 275 3850 500 7500 750 12750 850 17000
Banana
Nilphamari 110 1320 200 3000 300 6000 400 10000
Rangpur 1183 16562 1000 17000 2000 34000 3000 51000
Total 3818 63232 4000 85000 6550 157750 9000 268000

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 Projection by Projection by Projection by
Present Status
2021 2026 2035
Fruit District
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Gaibandha 100 1338 100 1500 100 2000 100 2500
Kurigram 0 0 200 2400 200 3000 200 4000
Lalmonirhat 142 1420 540 6480 540 8100 540 10800
Papaya
Nilphamari 25 250 100 1200 100 1500 100 2000
Rangpur 237 2607 3000 36000 3000 45000 3000 60000
Total 504 5615 3940 47580 3940 59600 3940 79300
Gaibandha 250 3875 100 2000 100 2500 100 3000
Kurigram 1900 15200 300 4500 300 6000 300 7500
Lalmonirhat 175 1750 550 8250 550 11000 550 13750
Guava
Nilphamari 5 50 200 3000 200 3000 200 3000
Rangpur 225 2475 3000 45000 3000 60000 3000 75000
Total 2555 23350 4150 62750 4150 82500 4150 102250
Gaibandha 200 2020 200 2400 200 3000 200 4000
Kurigram 200 1800 200 2400 200 3000 200 4000
Lalmonirhat 395 3950 750 9000 750 11250 750 15000
Litchi
Nilphamari 176 2112 470 7050 470 9400 470 9400
Rangpur 643 7716 3000 45000 3000 60000 3000 75000
Total 1614 17598 4620 65850 4620 86650 4620 107400
Lime/Le
Gaibandha 20 50 500 2000 500 3000 500 4000
mon
Kurigram 100 200 300 1200 300 1800 300 2400
Lalmonirhat 30 90 500 2500 500 3500 500 5000
Nilphamari 220 440 1000 3000 1000 5000 1000 7000
Rangpur 85 170 700 2100 700 3500 700 4900
Total 455 950 3000 10800 3000 16800 3000 23300
Source: BBS 2011 and Consultation Workshop at Rangpur

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Appendix-3, Table 12: Released Varieties of Different Spices
Crop Variety released Duration (Days) Yield potential (t/ha)
Onion BARI Piaz-1 120 12-22
BARI Piaz-2
BARI Piaz-3
BARI Piaz-4
BARI Piaz-5
Garlic BARI-Garlic-1 120-150 6-8
BARI-Garlic-2
Chilli BARI Morich-1 120-270 2-3
BARI Morich-2
BARI Morich-3
Coriander BARI Dhonia-1 90 1.5-2.0
Ginger BARI Ginger-1 240-270 8-9
Turmeric BARI Halud-1 270-300 4-6
BARI Halud-2
BARI Halud-3
BARI Halud-4
BARI Halud-5
Source: Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics- 2013, BBS and BARI Annual report

Appendix-3, Table 13: Projection for Commercial Cultivation of Spices

Crop District Present Status Projection by Projection by Projection by
2021 2026 2035
Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod. Area Prod.
(ha) (ton) (ha) (ton) (has) (ton) (ha) (ton)
Onion Gaibandha 716 3246 788 5907 859 8592 945 11341
Kurigram 639 3293 703 5061 767 7668 843 10122
Lalmonirhat 490 3574 539 5498 588 7056 647 9055
Nilphamari 620 3233 682 5115 744 7440 818 9821
Rangpur 1715 11934 1887 14715 2058 20580 2264 27166
Total 4180 25280 4598 36295 5016 51336 5518 67505
Garlic Gaibandha 261 2036 287 2240 313 2506 345 3445
Kurigram 238 919 262 1011 286 1214 314 1571
Lalmonirhat 334 1195 367 1315 401 1603 441 2204
Nilphamari 311 1005 342 1106 373 1493 411 2053
Rangpur 596 2809 656 3090 715 3576 787 4720
Total 1740 7964 1914 8760 2088 10391 2297 13993
Chilli Gaibandha 616 1314 678 1445 739 1996 813 3252

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 Kurigram 964 1574 1060 1731 1157 2892 1272 3817
Lalmonirhat 622 2257 684 2483 746 2986 821 4105
Nilphamari 856 2907 942 3198 1027 4109 1130 5650
Rangpur 1024 3198 1126 3518 1229 4915 1352 6758
Total 4082 11250 4490 12375 4898 16897 5388 23583
Ginger Gaibandha 174 797 191 877 209 1148 230 1378
Kurigram 182 781 200 859 218 1092 240 1441
Lalmonirhat 263 2446 289 2691 316 3377 347 3906
Nilphamari 1021 9617 1123 10579 1225 13477 1348 15499
Rangpur 515 5126 567 5639 618 6953 680 7988
Total 2155 18767 2371 20644 2586 26047 2845 30722
Turmeric Gaibandha 301 1763 331 1939 361 2528 397 3973
Kurigram 208 1786 229 1965 250 2371 275 3020
Lalmonirhat 226 2641 249 2905 271 3526 298 4027
Nilphamari 578 3562 636 3918 694 4855 763 6867
Rangpur 536 5744 590 6318 643 8040 708 9198
Total 1849 15496 2034 17046 2219 21320 2441 27085
Source: District Statistics-2011, BBS and Consultation Workshop at Rangpur

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Appendix-4 : Irrigation and Water Management

Appendix 4 Table 1: List of Rivers in the TBR

SL. Name of Rivers Off-take Out fall Comments

Low land Korotoa (Nilphamari)
01 Akhira Maccha Seasonal
Mitapukur, Rangpur Ghoraghat, Dinajpur
Ghaghot Katakhali
02 Alai Seasonal
Gaibandha Sadar Gobindagonj, Gaibandha
Low land Ghahot
03 Alai Kumari (Burail) Seasonal
Pirgacha, Rangpur Mitapukur, Rangpur
Deonai-Jamuneswhari Bangali
04 Korotoa (Nilphamari) Perennial
Mitapukur, Rangpur Sherpur, Bogra
Katakhali Korotoa (Nilphamari) Bangali
05 Perennial
(Gaibandha) Gobindaganj, Gaibandha Gobindaganj, Gaibandha
Low land Buri Teesta
06 Kumlal-Nautara Seasonal
Dimla, Nilphamari Dimla, Nilphamari
Low land Korotoa (Nilphamari)
07 Gangnai Seasonal
Gobindaganj, Gaibandha Shibganj, Bogra
India Dharla
08 Gidari Seasonal
Aditmari, Lalmonirhat Lalmonirhat Sadar
Borodam beel Brahmaputra-Jamuna
09 Girai Seasonal
Nageswari, Kurigram Kurigram Sadar
Teesta Brahmaputra-Jamuna
10 Ghaghat Perennial
Jaldhaka, Nilphamari Fulchari, Gaibandha
Low land Korotoa (Nilphamari)
11 Ghirnai Seasonal
Syedpur, Nilphamari Nawabganj, Dinajpur
Burikhora Nodi Deonai-Jamuneswari
12 Chikli Seasonal
Nilphamari Sadar Bodorganj, Rangpur
Low land Deonai-Jamuneswari
13 Chungabhanga Seasonal
Domar, Nilphamari Domar, Nilphamari
India Brahmaputra-Jamuna
14 Teesta Perennial
Dimla, Nilphamari Sundarganj, Gaibandha
India Brahmaputra-Jamuna
15 Dudhkumar Perennial
Bhurungamari, Kurigram Nageswari, Kurigram
Deonai-Charalkata- Low land Korotoa (Nilphamari)
16 Perennial
Jamuneshwari Domar, Nilphamari Nawabganj, Dinajpur
India Brahmaputra-Jamuna
17 Dharla Perennial
Lalmonirhat Sadar Ulipur, Kurigram
Dariviza beel Deonai-Jamuneswari
18 Dhaijan Perennial
Jaldhaka, Nilphamari Kisoreganj, Nilphamari
Low land Buri Teesta
19 Dhum Seasonal
Dimla, Nilphamari Jaldhaka, Nilphamari
Boro Pailar beel Katakhali Nodi
20 Nalea Seasonal
Pirganj, Rangpur Gobindaganj, Gaibandha
Low land Deonai-Jamuneswari
21 Palimari Seasonal
Badarganj, Rangpur Badarganj, Rangpur
22 Phulkumar India Dudhkumar Seasonal

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 Bhurungamari, Kurigram Nageswari, Kurigram
India Padma
23 Brahmaputra-Jamuna Perennial
Nageswari, Kurigram Goalanda, Rajbari
Katakhali Nodi Hura Sagor
24 Bangali Perennial
Gobindaganj, Gaibandha Shahajadpur, Sirajganj
Low land Teesta
25 Burail Seasonal
Kaunia, Rangpur Pirgacha, Rangpur
Baflar beel Deonai-Jamuneswari
26 Bullai Seasonal
Jaldhaka, Nilphamari Badarganj, Rangpur
Sonarai beel Chikli
27 Burikhora Seasonal
Domar, Niplhamari Nilphamari Sadar
India Teesta
28 Buri-Teesta Seasonal
Dimla, Nilphamari Hatibandha, Lalmonirhat
India Dharla
29 Maldaha Seasonal
Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat Lalmonirhat Sadar
Bamundanga beel Ghaghot
30 Lenga Seasonal
Sundarganj, Gaibandha Gaibanda Sadar
India Teesta
31 Shimlajan Seasonal
Patgram, Lalmonirhat Patgram, Lalmonirhat
Low land Simlaganj river
32 Singimari Seasonal
Patgram, Lalmonirhat Patgram, Lalmonirhat
Source: Study of Surface Water for Irrigation Development, Survey and Monitoring Project for
Development of Minor Irrigation, BADC (June-2015)

Appendix-4 Table -2: Irrigation by Farm Size

Farm Size Category of Farm Families
Method Marginal Small Medium Large All
(percent of farmers)
Rainfed 49.31 52.15 55.00 66.67 52.50
Manual 7.64 6.94 5.00 3.33 6.00
Shallow Tube well 74.31 83.33 75.00 83.33 79.25
Deep Tube well 15.28 13.44 22.50 16.67 15.25
Low Lift Pump 2.08 2.15 5.00 0.00 2.25
Canal Irrigation 7.64 9.68 15.00 3.33 9.00
Source: Household survey, 2015

Appendix-4 Table 3: Share of Crops in Total Cultivated Land of TBR by Irrigated and Non-
irrigated land
Item All
Teesta Non-Teesta
Irrigated Non-irrigated Irrigated Non-irrigated
Rice 66.44 78.28 81.94 47.36 72.45

25
Wheat 1.30 0.19 4.21 0.00 2.04
Potato 16.81 2.63 2.17 0.22 4.86
Maize 7.58 5.22 1.21 41.58 7.23
Jute 1.73 2.16 6.74 2.18 3.65
Mustard 0.40 0.00 0.86 0.00 0.43
Nut/peanut 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.99 2.42
Arum(Kochu) 0.33 0.17 0.06 0.00 0.12
Onion 0.00 0.05 0.50 0.02 0.43
Chili 2.26 0.42 0.21 0.05 0.89
Garlic 0.00 0.04 0.11 0.01 0.12
Ginger 0.33 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.10
Bringal 0.00 0.08 0.32 0.00 0.13
Tobacco 2.37 9.55 0.46 7.52 4.28
All other crops 0.38 0.94 1.01 0.06 0.66
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

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Appendix-4, Table 4 Minor Irrigation in the TBR
District Equipment used and Area irrigated (ha) Total
DTW STW LLP Area
No Area No Area No Area (ha)
Rangpur 909 21090 76124 144558 10 158 165806
Nilphamari 276 5649 36703 88139 0 0 93788
Lalmonirhat 295 5428 37062 79623 135 334 85385
Kurigram 330 4667 49977 106830 436 1288 112785
Gaibandha 617 14489 45868 123656 116 1446 139591
Total 2427 51323 245734 542806 697 3226 597355

27