An Approach to Cropping Intensification in the Drought-Prone Northern Areas of Bangladesh: Cultivation of Shorter Duration Crops using Agricultural Machines in Farming Operations

In the face of high-frequency drought in the northern parts of Bangladesh, cropping intensification has been an important indicator for the life and livelihoods of its inhabitants. The study assessed cropping intensity and its determinants at the farmers’ level in Bogura district, Bangladesh. Policymakers and agricultural extension service providers should be able to use the study's findings to build an efficient extension strategy for enhanced increase productivity in drought-prone areas. Data were collected between November 2023 to April 2024 from 105 randomly selected farmers of four villages of two adjacent upazilas, namely Kahalu and Bogura sadar of Bogura district under the Barind tract- the hottest and the driest area in the country. This mixed-method study utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including focus groups and a cross-sectional survey. To analyze the data from the household survey, correlation coefficients and descriptive statistical techniques were applied. The results indicated that the respondents had an average harvesting intensity of 277.9%, with values ranging from 200% to 300% Results revealed that the cropping intensity of the respondents ranged from 200% to 300%, with an average of 277.9%. The overwhelming majority (87.6%) of the respondents achieved a cropping intensity ranging from 263% to 300%, while 12.4% were below the range. The results also unearthed the facts that some of the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, like education level (r=0.652), access to media (0.584**), and annual income (0.194*), were significantly associated with the cropping intensity. To this, availability of inputs (0.904**), growing of short duration crops (0.802***), use of agricultural machineries (0.707**) in various farming operations like tilling, lifting of underground water for irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest activities, easy marketing facilities (0.202*) and adequacy of ground water for irrigation (0.198*) were significantly associated. The results suggest that cropping intensity in the drought-prone areas may further be enhanced through intensive use of agricultural machinery in various farming activities with cultivation of shorter duration varieties of Boro rice, T. Aman, mustard, potato and vegetables.