Sustainable Food and Agriculture Research Highlights Importance of Innovation and Training for Vegetable Farmers

Strategic Insights -

A recent study on sustainable food and agriculture has shed light on the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices among vegetable farmers in Bangladesh. Conducted by researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University, the study aimed to evaluate the perceived efficacy of these practices, identify influencing factors, and outline challenges faced by farmers. The findings suggest that innovation in technology and sustainable farming techniques are crucial for increasing agricultural output, ensuring food security, and driving economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study employed a sample of 108 vegetable farmers from the Bhangnamari Union of Gouripur upazila (sub-district) of Mymensingh district, using a 4-point rating scale to assess the perceived effectiveness of 12 sustainable agricultural practices.
  • The majority of farmers (74.07%) moderately perceived the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices, with training received, organizational involvement, extension contact, and knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices being significant factors.
  • Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that extension contact alone accounted for 69.6% of the variance in perceived effectiveness.
  • Most vegetable producers (59.25%) encountered significant problems while using sustainable agricultural practices, with high intensity of insects and diseases being the top-ranked problem.
  • The study concluded that development agencies and non-government organizations should provide regular need-based training, conduct method and result demonstrations, and organize field days to improve the perceived effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices.

Statistics:

  • 74.07% of vegetable farmers moderately perceived the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices.
  • 69.6% of the variance in perceived effectiveness was attributed to extension contact.
  • 59.25% of vegetable producers encountered significant problems while using sustainable agricultural practices.
  • The study used a sample of 108 vegetable farmers from a population of 148.
  • The study covered a specific area in the Mymensingh district, specifically the Bhangnamari Union of Gouripur upazila.

Sources:

  • [1] Effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices as perceived by the vegetable farmers: a study in selected areas of Mymensingh district. Discover Agriculture, 2025, 3(1): 1-18. The publisher for Discover Agriculture is Springer. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s44279-025-00325-1.
  • [2] NewsRx. Research from Bangladesh Agricultural University in the Area of Sustainable Food and Agriculture Published (Effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices as perceived by the vegetable farmers: a study in selected areas of Mymensingh ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 19, 2025; p 354.