Focus Group Discussion

Full text

FGD report on farmers’ responses to “Minimizing yield gap in rice-
based cropping systems in three northern districts”
-----------------------By C-1.26 Project team
Introduction
The focus group discussion (FGD) is a rapid qualitative assessment technique in which a
selected set of participants gather to discuss issues and problems. In agriculture, FGD is
normally used to collect data on the needs, yields of crops, constraints to production,
reasons for using certain practices, etc. of target farmers. In the “Minimizing yield gap in
rice- based cropping systems in three northern districts,” project financed by Krishi
Gobeshona Foundation (KGF), the FGD was conducted mainly to identify factors
contributing to yield gaps in rice and component crops of rice-based cropping systems in
the selected locations of Bogra, Rangpur and Kurigram districts.
Methodology
The FGD was conducted during 24- 26 October, 2011 at three upazilas of three northern
districts mentioned below:
Date Upazila/village District No. of
participants
24 October,2011 Mithapukur
Vill: Kaliganj, Koalipara
Rangpur 15
25 October,2011 Ulipur
Vill: Ramdas Dhoniram Adarsha
para, Gunaigach Adarsha para
Kurigram 16
26 October,2011 Shibganj
Vill:Chakloma( Sarkarpara,
Baparipara, Uttarapara)
Bogra 15
A multidisciplinary team consisting of scientists (agronomist, agricultural economist,
horticulturist and entomologist) and extension personnel of DAE, NGO representative
was formed to conduct the FGD. A total of 15-16 farmers participated in the discussion
(Appendix ). Farmers were grouped into two with 7 - 8 farmers in each group.The half-
day long FGD was conducted through open discussion and in a participatory manner.
After a brief introduction, objectives and scope of FGD were explained. Discussion was
initiated using a checklist prepared in advance (appendix). During the discussions, all
participants were given an opportunity to participate or ask questions openly. All the
FGD techniques, i.e. brief discussion with resource personnel, team building and rapport

building with farmers, etc. were used to collect necessary information. Informations on
the use of inputs, irrigation, credit and yield of crops, reasons for low yield, possible
ways to increase the yield, etc. were obtained through open discussion with the farmers.
Output of the FGD was documented through poster writing. After presentation, an open
discussion was held to discuss to add or delete information for finalization of FGD. The
discussion was concluded by giving thanks to the participants for their cooperation in the
discussion.
In the focal group discussion, secondary general information were collected from upazila
agriculture officers, agriculture extension officers and sub- assistant agriculture officers
through a pre-designed questionnaire.
Results and Analysis
Secondary information of the location
Of the three locations, Mithapukur, Rangpur is dominantly characterized by high land
covering about 55% of the total cultivable area of the upazila. The site mainly belongs to
AEZ 3(Tista Meander Floodplain). Soil types are clay, clay loam, loam and sandy loam.
Mean annual rainfall in the upazila is about 2,200 mm. Major cropping pattern of the
upazila is Potato-Boro-T.Aman.
Ulipur upazila, Kurigram is highly flood-prone and mainly characterized by charlands.
About 50% of the area of the upazila falls under AEZ 3 and the rest under AEZ 2(Active
Tista Floodplain).Soils are characterized by loam, sandy loam and sand types. Average
rainfall per year is about 2648 mm. Major cropping pattern is Potato – Boro- T.Aman.
Land types of Shibganj, Bogra upazila are dominantly medium highland (46%) and high
land (27%).The site falls under AEZ 25 (Level Barind Tract). Soils are loamy, sandy
loam and clay loam. The average rainfalls per year of the area is about 1015 mm.
Following is the major cropping pattern of the area:
Mustard –Boro – T.aman
Varieties, Inputs used and Average Yields of mustard, potato, boro and T.aman rice
obtained by the farmers are summarized location - wise below:

Shibganj, Bogra
Particulars Crop Remarks
Input Mustard Boro T.aman
Variety MostlyTori-7,few
farmers used
HYV-BARI
sharisa-14,15 and
Rai sharisa
Mostly HYVs-
BRRI dhan 28 &
29, few farmers
used hybrids (Tia,
Moyna)
Mostly HYV-
BR11,few farmers
used BRRI dhan
49, Ranjit,
Mamun
Farmers’ still used
susceptible HYV-BR
11 of T.aman rice.
About 20% area
covered by hybrid
varieties.
Source of seed Dealer Own, Dealer Own, Dealer
Seed rate(kg/ha) 7.5 37.5 37.5
Sowing time 15-20 Nov. 15-20 Feb. Last week of July Mustard was sown
late due to late
harvest of T.aman
rice.
Fertilizers Urea, TSP, MoP,
gypsum and
cowdung but no
Zn.Urea was split
2 times.
Urea, TSP, MoP,
gypsum and
cowdung but no
Zn .Urea was split
3 times
Urea, TSP, MoP,
gypsum and
cowdung but no
Zn .Urea was split
2 times.
Low doses and
imbalanced
application of
fertilizers including
cowdung.
Fungicide Not used Folicure, Contaf,
Score, Tilt
Not used Farmers did not use
fungicide against
Alternaria disease due
to lack of knowledge
Insecticide Pyriphos,
Marshal, Tafgor,
Ostad
Furadan ,Rifit,
Biodin
Furadan, Modern Sometimes
insecticide were less
effective.
Weedicide - Starplus Starplus
Mode & no. of
irrigation
STW, 2 times STW, about 20
times
STW, 2-3 times Farmers could not
apply adequate
irrigation due to load
shedding of
occasional electricity.
Harvesting time 10-15 Feb. Last week of May 10-20 Nov.
Average yield
(t/ha)
750 kg/ha 3.50 2.62
Yield of mustard was
low because local
variety Tori -7was
used. Yields of boro
and T.aman rice were
also low mainly due
to lower doses and
imbalanced use of
fertilizers.
Mithapukur, Rangpur

Particulars Crop Remarks
Input Potato Boro T.aman
Variety HYV- Granula,
Cardinal
Mostly HYVs-
BRRI dhan 28,
few farmers used
hybrid Hira
Mostly HYV-
BR11,few
farmers used
HYVs- BRRI
dhan 41, BINA
7, Sharna
30-35% area covered
by hybrid varieties.
Source of seed Dealer Dealer Dealer
Seed rate(kg/ha) 1900 15 22.5
Sowing time Dec1-7 1st week of March Last week of
July
Potato was planted late
because previous
T.aman rice was
harvested late.
Similarly, boro was
transplanted late (1st
week of March) since
previous crop potato
was harvested late.
Fertilizers Urea, TSP, MoP,
gypsum, boric acid, Zn
& cowdung. Urea was
split twice at 30 & 55
DAS
Only urea.
Urea was split
thrice at 20, 50
&80 DATs
Only urea.
Urea was split
twice at 30 &
60 DATs
For both boro and
T.aman rice, only urea
was used. Since other
fertilizers were used in
potato.
Fungicide Theovit, Redomil,
Mancozeb
No fungicide used Noain, Score Sometimes farmers
could not control late
blight in potato since
fungicides were costly
or not available in time.
Insecticide Darsban, Carate Carate Carate, Raison
Mode & no. of
irrigation
STW, 2 times STW,15-20 times No irrigation
Harvesting time 85-90 days after
sowing
1st week of July Nov 15-Dec15
Average yield
(t/ha)
19 3.7 3.0 Despite the use of
HYVs of potato, boro
and T.aman rice, crop
yields were low dose
mainly to lower doses
and imbalanced use of
fertilizers including
cowdung.
Ulipur, Kurigram

Particulars Crop Remarks
Input Potato Boro T.aman
Variety HYV-Granula,
Cardinal
Mostly HYV-
BRRI dhan28,29
hybrid Hira
Mostly HYV-
BR11, few
farmers used
HYV,BRRI
dhan49,52
About 35% area
covered by hybrid
variety.
Source of seed Dealer Dealer Dealer
Seed rate(kg/ha) 1900 15 22.5
Sowing time Nov 15- Dec7 1st week of
March
Last week of
July
Late planting of
potato due to late
harvest of previous
T.aman rice.
Fertilizers Urea, TSP, MoP,
gypsum, boric acid,
Zn & cowdung.
Urea was split
twice at 30 & 55
DAS
Only urea.
Urea was split
thrice at 20, 50
& 80 DATs
Only urea and
MoP only.
Urea was split
twice at 30 & 60
DATs
Only urea for boro
and only urea &
MoP for T.aman
were used.
Fungicide Theovit, Redomil,
Mancozeb
None used Noain, Score
Insecticide Darsban, Carate Carate Carate, Sapsin,
Mipsin
Mode & no. of
irrigation
STW, 3 times STW,15-17
times
STW, 2-3 times Supplementary
irrigation was given
to overcome
drought
Harvesting time After 85-90 days of
sowing
1st week of July Nov 15-Dec15
Average yield (t/ha) 18 3.5 2.8 Despite use of
HYVs yields were
low mainly because
of lower doses and
imbalanced use of
fertilizers.
Disposal pattern of the crops at three locations are listed below:

Shibganj, Bogra Mithapukur, Rangpur Ulipur, Kurigram Farmers’
response
Disposal
pattern
Mustard
(%)
Boro
(%)
T.aman
(%)
Potato
(%)
Boro
(%)
T.aman
(%)
Potato
(%)
Boro
(%)
T.aman
(%)
100% mustard
was sold at
Shibganj.
About 20%
potato was
consumed, the
rest sold at
Mithapukur
and Ulipur.
80% boro was
consumed at
Shibganj,
whereas
only35% at
Mithapukur
and 40% at
Ulipur. Potato
was sold at
only 5/-per kg
in both the
locations.
Consumed 0 80 75 15 35 50 25 35 40
Sold 100 20 25 85 65 50 75 65 50
Produce
sold at
local
market
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Price
(kg/Tk)
50 15 18 5 15 17 5 17 18
Credit taken by the farmers of three locations for crop cultivation is given below:
Source
of credit
Shibganj,
Bogra
Mithapukur,
Rangpur
Ulipur,
Kurigram
Remarks
Bank Krishi bank Krishi bank Loan taken on collateral
with interest
NGO ASA, Bureau
Bangladesh, BRAC,
BIIS,GrameenBank
IslamicRelief,Uddipan
Grameen Bank
ASA, BRAC,
RDRS, Uday, SS,
Chinno Mukul
Loan taken without
collateral but with
interest
Farmers’
club
ICM club ICM club - Loan taken with some
interest only
Relatives,
Friends
yes yes yes Loan taken without any
interest
Money-
lenders
- - - No loan taken from
money lenders
Others - - -
Training received by the farmers’ of three locations

Shibganj, Bogra /Mithapukur, Rangpur/ Ulipur/Kurigram
Training was usually offered on the following subjects at 3 locations:
Training subject Duration
(day)
Organization
offering the
training
Remarks
Production technology of rice,
wheat, vegetables, onion
1 DAE 1 day training not
sufficient.2-3 day training
effective for skill
development
Integrated Crop
Management(ICM), Vegetable
production technology
1 OFRD, BARI
Spices production technology 1 Spices Research
Centre, BARI
Management of livestock 3 DLS Mainly on production and
disease management
Cow/goat/poultry rearing 3 BRAC,GB Training offered as income
generating activity(IGA)
Marketing of agriculture produces 1 RDRS 1 day training not enough.
Conclusion
Farmers of Shibganj, Bogra should replace local Tori-7 variety of mustard by HYVs like
BARI sharisa 14, 15 and sow the crop in time (late October or 1st week of November) by
adjusting the cropping pattern. Similarly, susceptible BR 11 of T.aman rice should be
replaced by modern HYVs of T.aman. Balanced application of fertilizers (N, P, K, Zn and
B) and manures (cowdung) in recommended doses by the farmers of all three locations is
also essential to obtain desired yield. To materialize this, farmers must have an access to
adequate credit from public banks at easy terms and conditions on crop season basis. The
extension service should at the same time ensure that these farmers apply recommended
technological packages in fields through regular training, demonstrations, regular field
visits and monitoring. Training of farmers on the balanced application of fertilizers &
manures, ICM and IPM for 2-3 days is also suggested. In addition, two-way feedback
between research and extension on the performance of new technologies is essential.
Appendix

Focal Group Discussion
Chakolma, Shibgonj, Bogra
26 October 2011
Sl.
No.
Name & designation Address
1 Dr. Md. Mahabubur Rahman Khan, PSO OFRD, BARI, Gazipur
2 Dr. Md. Zulfikar Haider Prodhan, SSO OFRD, BARI, Bogra
3 Dr. Md. Mazharul Anwar, SSO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
4 Salma Akter, Prog. Officer Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra, Dhaka
5 Md. Zannatul Ferdous, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
6 Md. Afzal Hossain, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
7 Most. Ummay Salma Khatun, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
8 Md. Khairul Islam, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
9 Md. Shafiqul Islam, UAO DAE, Shibganj, Bogra
10 Md. Rahmat Ali mollah, SO OFRD, BARI, Bogra
11 Md. Shafiqul Islam Sarkar Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
12 Md. Bablu Mondol Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
13 Md. Motiur Rahman Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
14 Md. Sazu Miah Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
15 Md. Mannan Mondol Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
16 Md. Abdul Kader Mondol Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
17 Md. Khalak Akanda Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
18 Md. Nurnobi Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
19 Md. Toskin Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
20 Md. Imdadul Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
21 Md. Tazul Islam Bapari Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
22 Md. Rezaul Karim Uttar Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
23 Md. Abu Sayd Uttar Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
24 Md. Sekender Uttar Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
25 Md. Anamul Hoque Uttar Para, Chakolma, Shibganj, Bogra
26 Sree Broz Kishor Nandi, SAAO DAE, Mokamtola, Shibganj, Bogra
27 Md. Abdul Waresh, SA OFRD, BARI, Bogra
28 Md. Abdus Sobhan, SA OFRD, BARI, Bogra
Focal Group Discussion
Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para, Ulipur, Kurigram
25 October 2011

Sl.
No.
Name & designation Address
1 Dr. Md. Mahabubur Rahman Khan, PSO OFRD, BARI, Gazipur
2 Dr. Md. Zulfikar Haider Prodhan, SSO OFRD, BARI, Bogra
3 Dr. Md. Mazharul Anwar, SSO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
4 Salma Akter, Prog. Officer Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra, Dhaka
5 Md. Zannatul Ferdous, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
6 Md. Afzal Hossain, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
7 Most. Ummay Salma Khatun, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
8 Md. Khairul Islam, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
9 Md. Aminul Islam, UAO DAE, Ulipur, Kurigram
10 Md.Obaydul Islam Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
11 Mrs.Sultana Begum Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
12 Mrs.Zayeda Begum Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
13 Md. Zahangir Alam Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
14 Mr. Ratindra Kishore Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
15 Md. Asgor Ali Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
16 Md. Yaqub Ali Gunigach Adarsha Para,Ulipur
17 Manju Miah Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
18 Md. Aiyub Ali Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
19 Md. Shahidur Rahman Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
20 Md. Samedul Haque Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
21 Mrs. Mahmuda Begum Gunigach Adarsha Para, Ulipur
22 Md. Harun or Rashid Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para, Ulipur
23 Md. Abdul Goni Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para,Ulipur
24 Md. Maidul Islam Ramdas Dhonirampur Adarsha para, Ulipur
25 Md. Shafiqul Islam, SA OFRD, BARI,Rangpur
26 Mohammad Ali Mondal, SA OFRD, BARI,Rangpur
27
28
Focal Group Discussion
Kaliganj Village, Mithapukur, Rangpur
24 October 2011

Sl.
No.
Name & designation Address
1 Dr. Md. Mahabubur Rahman Khan, PSO OFRD, BARI, Gazipur
2 Dr. Md. Zulfikar Haider Prodhan, SSO OFRD, BARI, Bogra
3 Dr. Md. Mazharul Anwar, SSO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
4 Salma Akter, Prog. Officer Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra, Dhaka
5 Md. Zannatul Ferdous, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
6 Md. Afzal Hossain, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
7 Most. Ummay Salma Khatun, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
8 Md. Khairul Islam, SO OFRD, BARI, Rangpur
9 Md. Azizul Islam Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
10 Md. Shamsul Haque Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
11 Md. Halim Miah Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
12 Md. Ansar Ali Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
13 Md. Shahabul Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
14 Md. Sahabuddin Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
15 Alhaz Mozaher Ali Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
16 Mrs. Mozina Khatun Vill: Kaligang,Mithapukur, Rangpur
17 Most. Bilkis Begum Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
18 Md. Serazul Islam Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
19 Abdul Wahab Miah Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
20 Md. Sawpan Miah Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
21 Md. Montu Miah Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
22 Md. Sahabuddin Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
23 Md. Farid Shah Vill: Koalipara,Mithapukur, Rangpur
24 Mohammad Ali Mondal, SA OFRD, BARI,Rangpur
25
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