PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY OF MUSTARD FARMING IN KURIGRAM DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Mustard is the most widely grown oilseed crop and plays a vital role in meeting the demand for edible oil in Bangladesh. This study was conducted in five mustard-growing areas of Nageswari upazila of Bangladesh, to estimate the socio-economic characteristics of the mustard farmers and the profitability and potentiality of mustard production. Tabular, descriptive, econometric and Cobb-Douglas (C-D) production models were used to fulfill the objectives. This study found that mustard production is less profitable with a benefit-cost ratio of only 1.02 and human labor (0.093), machinery (0.002) and seed (0.024) had a significant positive role in yield whereas irrigation (0.006) had a significant negative role. Farmers face challenges such as limited access to credit, low-quality inputs, insufficient government support and pest and disease issues. Addressing these constraints through improved access to quality seeds and modern farming technologies could enhance mustard productivity and reduce the dependence on imported edible oil. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers to promote sustainable mustard production in northern Bangladesh.