Growth of fertilizer supply and its utilization by farmers in boro season

Abstract

Abstract : This study was undertaken to assess the fertilizer supply situation and the fertilizing behaviour of the farmers in Boro season. The exponential growth model was used to assess the growth rate of total fertilizer supply and total cropped area. The supply of fertilizer grew at a significant rate during the study period, but that of total cropped area were found not significant. The adequacy index of fertilizer use was calculated for the different categories of farmers. The adequacy index for small farmers was found the lowest compared to that of large and medium farmers. The farmers' response to the suggested fall in fertilizer price (i.e., the expected elasticity) was inelastic for urea and elastic for TSP and MP. The price responsiveness on the utilization of fertilizers was the highest for small farmers. A double-log form of demand function was fitted separately for urea. TSP, MP and also for total fertilizers. In no case, the coefficient of fertilizer price was significant but it had negative sign in all the cases, which was consistent with the demand theory. But farm size was a significant factor except in model of TSP demand and the ratio of land under higher yielding to total Boro cultivated land was also a significant factor. Irrigation cost was significant in all the cases. These results imply that an increase in farm size, a decrease in fertilizer price, and increase in irrigation intensity can increase the level of fertilizer utilization.