Farmer’s Level Motivation on Sunflower Cultivation in a Rice Based Cropping Pattern of Patuakhali District

The aim of the study was mainly to determine and describe the extent of the motivation on sunflower cultivation and also explore relationship between the 12 selected characteristics of the farmers with motivation on sunflower cultivation. The study was designed with mixed method approach where, both qualitative and quantitative analyses are blended in a rational way to have a deeper understanding about research problems. The study was conducted in Dumki and Patuakhali Sadar Upazilla of Patuakhali district, Bangladesh. The whole period of the study was six months from 01 January to 30 June 2016. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 110 farmers engaged in sunflower cultivation. In addition case study, focus group discussions, Key informant interviews were used to collect data. Data was collected by face to face interviews. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical measures and computer software like SPSS. Pearson’s Product Moment coefficient of correlation results showed that out of 12 independent variables, the correlation coefficients of 7 variables had positive and significant relationship with their motivation on sunflower cultivation. Multiple regression analysis showed that training experience, innovativeness, and sunflower cultivation knowledge had significant contribution towards motivation on sunflower cultivation. Training, Contact with various sources of information, Organizational participation of the farmers was vital predictors. These predictors need further investigations.