Performance of a hermetic device and neem (Azadirachta indica) in storing wheat seed: Evidence from participatory household trials in central Bangladesh

Smallholder farmers in Bangladesh often use low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags contained within woven polypropylene bags to store wheat seed during the summer monsoon that precedes winter season planting. High humidity and temperature during this period can encourage increased seed moisture and pests, thereby lowering seed quality. Following a farm household survey conducted to inform trial design, eighty farmers were engaged in an action research process in which they participated in designing and conducting trials comparing traditional and alternative seed storage methods over 30 weeks. Factorial treatments included comparison of hermetic SuperGrainbags® (Premium RZ) against LDPE bags, both with and without the addition of dried neem tree leaves (Azadirachta indica). SuperGrainbags® were more effective in maintaining seed moisture at acceptable levels close to pre-storage conditions than LDPE bags. Both seed germination and seedling coleoptile length were significantly greater in hermetic than LDPE bags. Neem had no effect on seed moisture, germination, or coleoptile length. SuperGrainbags® were also more effective in abating seed damage during storage, although inclusion of neem within LDPE bags also had significant damage. Quantification of seed predating insects and diseases suggested that SuperGrainbags® also suppressed Coleopteran pests and blackspot, the latter indicative of Fusarium graminearum. Conversely, where farmers used LDPE bags, neem also had an additional though limited pest suppressive effect. Post-storage treatment scoring by farmers revealed a strong preference for SuperGrainbags® and no preference differences for or against neem. This study demonstrates a process by which farmers can be involved in the participatory co-design and testing of alternative wheat storage options, and stresses the need to develop SuperGrainbag® supply chains so hermetic storage can be made widely available

GROWTH ANALYSIS ON CHANGING WHEAT PRODUCTION IN BANGLADESH

To estimate the growth rates of wheat in Bangladesh in terms of area, production, and yield, and to determine the factors responsible for changing production and yield time series data were used for the period of 1975-76 to 1998-99. The growth rates were estimated by using exponential production function and the determinants of yield levels were examined using Cobb-Douglas production function. During the period 1976-85, the growth rates of area, production and yield were relatively higher. After 1985, the growth rates were poor and stagnant. Then again after 1995, an increasing growth rate trend was found both in greater Dinajpur and Rangpur districts and in Bangladesh. However, the average growth rates of area, production and yield were 5.82, 6.02 and 0.55 percent respectively in Bangladesh. During the whole study period, wheat production increased by 787% (1.69 MT), contributed by area (58%) and yield (36%). Wheat yields were affected by several natural, physical and economic factors. Irrigated area coverage, price of the previous year and area coverage by modern varieties had positive influence on yield increase in Dinajpur. But in Rangpur, only price of the previous year had positive and significant effect on yield. So for continuing the increasing growth rate policy should be taken to keep higher price of wheat, expansion of more area under new high yielding varieties and irrigation