Abstract/Summary

Pulses are an important source of protein and have recently gained international prominence. This paper jointly identifies the determinants of improved variety adoption, productivity and efficiency of 2700 pulse producers from 10 pulse-growing districts of Bangladesh using a Sample-selection Stochastic Production Frontier model. Result revealed that the decision to adopt improved pulse technology is significantly influenced by yield, farming experience, education and extension contact while subsistence pressure discourages adoption. Land, fertilizer, mechanical power, pesticides and labour are the significant determinants of improved pulse productivity. Productivity is significantly lower for improved varieties of lentil, blackgram and chickpea as compared to mungbean and for farmers who use own-sourced seed. Location of the growing area does matter. Improved pulse productivity is significantly higher in five of the ten districts. The mean level of technical efficiency of improved pulses is estimated at 0.73, implying that productivity can be substantially improved by eliminating inefficiency. Policy implications include investments in R&D and extension services by involving farmers in R&D endeavours and enhancing farmer-based seed production and distribution schemes to develop and disseminate improved pulse technology, improving farmers’ education and tenurial reforms to facilitate smooth operation of the land market and mechanical power services to increase pulse productivity and production in Bangladesh.