Bangladesh has been urged to accelerate the adoption of cost-effective and profitable agricultural machinery among farmers to revolutionise farming practices, according to a recent study.
The study has also emphasised the importance of expanding the operations of the Department of Agricultural Extension services to maximise benefits for farmers, advocating for an increase in the allocated budget for this pivotal sector.
Additionally, it has highlighted the critical need for uninterrupted and affordable electricity connections at the grassroots level, recognising its significant role in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency.
These recommendations were put forth during the presentation of the study titled "Sowing the Seeds of Change: Assessing the Determinants of Agriculture Technology Adoption in Bangladesh" at a session on agriculture and food security at the 7th SANEM Annual Economists' Conference (SAC) 2024 held in a city hotel on Saturday.
Shaquer Tazware, a student from the Department of Economics at the University of Dhaka, presented the study at the function and provided crucial insights into enhancing technological uptake among farmers with his exploration of the "Determinants of Agriculture Technology Adoption in Bangladesh".
Dr M Nahid Sattar, professor at Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), attended the function as a discussant.
Professor Dr Hasneen Jahan, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, BAU, chaired the function.
The session featured the presentation of several insightful research papers.
Bipin Khadka, a Research Associate from South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), Nepal, shed light on nutritional dynamics within households with his study on "Calorie Distribution in Nepalese Households".
Abu Ahamed Sabbir, a student from BAU, shared valuable insights into the growth potential of the aquaculture industry in Bangladesh through his findings on "Factors Affecting the Expansion of Freshwater Aquaculture Area by Fish Farmers".
Farah Naz, a PhD student from PIDE, emphasised the transformative role in irrigation in rural development with her study on the "Impact of Irrigation on Path of Rural Transformation in Pakistan".
The conference served as an enriching platform for fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange among experts and scholars.
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