The maize seed distribution, production and marketing programme monitoring and evaluation report

Abstract

This study was designed to provide the ministry of Agriculture, USAID and other donors with additional information to guide the introduction of maize in Bangladesh. The study included tracking the distribution of imported Swan II maize seed nationwide, recording the cultivation and maize production process on a sample basis, monitoring crop yield and assessing the associated factors, and studying the use and marketing of maize including all identified products. Experts from a local consulting farm, working collaboratively with an expatriate consultant serving as Team Leader, developed the to meet the study objectives. The surveys were undertaken in January, March and May as follows: Receipt of seed in Bangladesh, distribution to all BADC regional offices and Upazila Sales centres and sale of seed by BADC to dealers,NGOs and farmers. Seed receipt and cultivation by 600 sample farmers nationwide. Maize production and marketing by sample farmers nationwide. The seed importation and distribution programme was delayed at all stages of the programme approval and procurement process. The programme was approved late and implemented slowly, resulting in the arrival of Swan II maize seed at the upazila level in November and December, too late for distribution to the farmers for cultivation during the Rabi season. However, the crop yield at 850 kg per acre was impressive, given the generally poor maize cultivation practices. Since this yield was achieved with fairly low levels of inputs, the maize crop was quite profitable. The major input was labour and since this was often mon-cash, farmers throughout the country were happy with their maize profit.