Profitability of date-palm based agroforestry system in jessore district

Abstract

Abstract : The study assessed the profitability of Date-palm based agroforestry system in selected sites of Jessore district. Farm survey method was adopted to collect the necessary data. Data were personally collected through an interview schedule from 60 randomly selected Date-palm based agroforestry practicing farmers from a population of 181 farm families of three villages in Bagherpara and Sadar thana of Jessore district. Five major cropping patterns were identified under Date-palm based agroforestry. In terms of economic viability, Aus- Aman-Mustard pattern appeared to have the greatest potential followed by Aus-Fallow-Wheat, Jute-Aman-Lentil, Aus-Fallow-Lentil and Falllow-Aman- Boro pattern. This study indicated that Date-palm based agroforestry system was more profitable than without agroforestry in each of the five major patterns. Intertemporal budgeting for Date-palm in agroforestry system showed higher benefit cost ratio (3.89), a large net present value of benefit (Tk. 103770) and a high internal rate of return (138 %) which clearly indicated a high profitability of Date-palm in agroforestry system.