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The following sub-themes have been developed to inspect the themes of the research objectives. Keeping in mind the whole excerpts from the informants, these sub-themes have also been created which reflected the aims and objectives of the research. Afterward, the segmented data, central to the study objectives, have been placed under the subthemes to make them relevant to the overall aims of the study (Table 1).
Table 1. Sub-themes of crop diversification and SDG-12.
Sub-themes i Diverse crops, and soil fertility ii Multi crops, and protection from natural hazards iii Crop diversification, protection from insects iv Crop varieties, and financial benefits v Multi-crops household food availability, and people's accessibility to crops vi Food utilization, crop diversification vii Growing multiple crops, families' food security Source: Authors' generated table, 2023. Diverse crops, and soil fertility
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The study details the current state of diverse crop production and its connection with soil fertility, and other associated issues in the study area. Several informants point out that diverse crops are now cultivated in many agricultural fields. Focusing on the benefits of producing diverse crops in a year, many informants argue that 'if we grow three crops a year, we get three different agricultural products. Also, if we grow two crops at the same time on land, we can get more crops. Conversely, if we cultivate sugarcane only, then we merely get sugarcane for the whole year. When we cultivate three crops a year, the possibility of getting more crops increases'. Likewise, we can grow wheat first then jute then rice in the same agricultural land. This also helps to increase the soil's fertility. Some FGD participants state that we get more crops when we grow two crops a year. For example, if we grow corn with sugarcane, we can get corn alongside sugarcane. If we grow only sugarcane then we would not get corn. Informants argue that if we provide proper supplements when producing two or three crops on the land, we can ensure higher fertility of the particular land. For instance, one informant states 'I have two crops in my land; sugarcane and the other corn. Corn needs irrigation two or three times. Hence while irrigating corn, sugarcane will get more fertilization from the land. And it increases the land's strength'. Besides, the leaves of jute and the stems rot and turn into fertilizer which increases the strength of the land.
Multi crops, and protection from natural hazards
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One informant argues that 'A natural hazard can only cause harm to one crop. Climatic hazards don't occur all year long'. In the case of the benefits of natural disasters, one FGD participant highlights that if we grow only one crop on land, then there is a higher possibility of destroying the crop by any hazard that may occur. 'If I cultivate sugarcane rice, wheat, and corn in a particular land, then a flood occurs, the rice and corn get flooded, but sugarcane can get value', added one informant. Thus, only the rice or wheat was destroyed in that piece of land. 'Conversely, if the land where I only used to cultivate one crop couldn't give me any other crop the whole year due to the natural disaster', replied another informant. 'Only one crop got destroyed in the land that had three crops, but I got two crops from that land. Last year jute was heavily damaged due to drought. Although jute was damaged, I managed to bring home two other crops (such as wheat and rice). Producing multiple crops reduces the risks created by natural disasters. Once my peas were ruined but my sugarcanes were good', was stated by many informants.
Crop diversification, protection from insects
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One FGD participant states that we think growing more than one crop on a land reduces worm infestation and reduces crop diseases. The land where only one crop is cultivated in a year only gets properly irrigated once a year. The land is not irrigated again for the whole year. Due to that worms infecting the land, and crops staying in the land for one year, it carries many diseases. One informant echoed the thoughts and shared that for cultivating one crop on the land during the year, the worm infestation increases in that land and the crop is affected by disease. One of the FGD participants argued that they cultivate three crops in an agricultural land, which results in irrigation three times. They claimed that this method prevents worms from infesting the land. They explained that they first grow wheat, then rice, and before cultivating a new crop, they irrigate the land. To them, this process effectively eliminates any worms that may have infested the land during the cultivation of the first crop. Several informants argued that worm infestation could be extinguished, and crop diseases reduced by growing multiple crops. One informant said, 'Yes, the worm infestation decreases because producing crop after crop weakens the worm's ability to infest'.
Crop varieties, and financial benefits
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Cultivating multiple crops on a single agricultural land has a positive impact on alleviating financial challenges. One participant in a focus group discussion highlighted three key ways in which this practice helps mitigate financial crises. Firstly, the participant mentioned that economic difficulties often arise from natural disasters. They shared an example from the past when they cultivated sugarcane in a plot of land that yielded only one crop per year. That particular year, their sugarcane crop was inundated due to flooding, leading to significant financial losses. However, the participants also cultivated rice on a separate piece of land where they had previously grown two other crops. When the rice crop was also affected by flooding, the financial impact was less severe because they had already harvested two other crops from the same land. Secondly, the participant discussed the challenges posed by pest infestations and diseases. They recalled a situation where their sugarcane crop suffered from a disease, resulting in substantial financial losses. This was exacerbated by the fact that sugarcane was a single-crop yield per year. The participant emphasized that if they had diversified their crops by cultivating three different varieties on the same land, the impact of the disease would have been less severe. While one of the crops might have been affected, they would still have had two others to rely on. The third reason highlighted was the fluctuation in crop prices. If a farmer grows only one type of crop on a piece of land and the market price. They explained that if they cultivated only one crop on a land and did not receive a favorable market price, they would face financial losses. In contrast, by growing three different crops on the same land, they could secure proper selling prices for two of them, reducing the risk of financial difficulties.
Another informant argues that growing three different crops on a single agricultural plot increases overall production. For instance, planting both corn and sugarcane on the same land results in additional sugarcane, reducing financial risks. Similarly, one participant shared a personal experience, noting that while their potato peas were ruined, their sugarcane was unaffected. This crop combination not only safeguards against losses but also stabilizes market prices, making products more affordable. They cited an example from the previous year when low wheat production led to increased wheat prices in the market (Table 2).
Table 2. Crop-diversification and sustainable production.
i Diverse crops, and soil fertility (a) Possibility of getting more crops increases (b) Proper supplements when producing two or three crops ii Multi crops, and protection from natural hazards (a) Producing multiple crops reduces the risks posed by natural disasters (b) Less damages to be occurred by any hazardous event iii Crop diversification and protection from insects (a) Proper irrigation method prevents worms from infesting the land (b) Crop diseases reduced by growing multiple crops iv Crop varieties, and financial benefits (a) Multiple crops have a positive impact on reducing financial hardships (b) Multi crops reduce the fluctuation in crop prices (c) Diverse crops help to stable the market stability Source: Authors' generated table, 2023. Multi-crops household food availability, and people's accessibility to crops
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Several informants argue that producing diverse products help to keep the price stable and affordable to the masses. One FGD participant pointed out that 'if we, the farmers, grow three different crops a year, we can provide all kinds of products to the market. Due to that, the price of products will stay stable and within the affordability of the masses'. But in reality, this does not happen. In this connection, one informant argues that 'because a syndicate creates a false crisis with the use of the black market, many products go out of people's ability to purchase'. As a result, if the government properly monitors the market, the price will be stable and within people's ability to buy.
One of the Key Informants stated that 'it is usual that if I cultivate more than one crop, I can bring different food items for my family'. I cultivate multiple crops on most of my lands. Among these crops, there are rice, mustard, wheat, and lentils. I cultivate rice so that my family has access to rice for the whole year. Along with that, I cultivate wheat for flour and mustard for mustard oil. While asking the question: Do you think growing multiple crops keeps the products' market price stable and the prices are more affordable for the masses?, several KIIs argue that 'yes, I agree with it. Like, a few years ago the majority of farmers were growing lentils thus the price of lentils was stable'.
Food utilization and crop diversification
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Many FGD participants reveal that different foods consist of different nutrients. 'If I cultivate one crop in a year, I will get only one kind of food from that crop. If I cultivate two or three kinds of crops that can provide two or three different kinds of food for my family. We get different nutrients from different foods. I cultivate two to three crops on most of my land so that my family gets all kinds of nutrients. Among these crops, there are rice, wheat, mustard, lentils, sesame, corn, etc'.
One FGD participant said that 'it increases the family's food availability and security. If I grow one crop in my land, my family will only get one food the whole year. A family can't survive on one food alone'. Furthermore, another informant mentioned that if one food crop were to be destroyed, their family's food security would be jeopardized. They emphasize, 'When I cultivate two to three different types of crops, my family can rely on two to three different types of food'. Multiple informants argue that even if one of the three crops were to be destroyed, food security wouldn't be a concern. They explained that this practice of growing two to three crops on a single piece of land annually increases food availability and ensures food security for the entire year.
Many informants emphasized that when multiple crops are grown on the same land and provided with proper nutrients, increased fertility can be ensured. In this context, several informants argued that, for example, 'If I have both corn and sugarcane on a single piece of land, corn requires irrigation two to three times and the application of pesticides. The fertility that corn receives as a result of irrigation and pesticide use will also benefit the sugarcane, leading to higher fertility for that crop'. Several participants in the focus group discussions underlined that growing multiple crops diversifies the dietary habits of families, resulting in a variety of crops available for consumption. They explained that this diversity is achievable because of the production of various crops. 'Yes, it increases a family's nutrient intake. By cultivating different crops, we introduce a variety of foods into the household. Each food type contains distinct nutrients, thus allowing every family member to meet their nutritional requirements', many informants added.
Growing multiple crops, families' food security
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Cultivating a variety of crops on a single piece of land enhances food security for families. Even if one crop is damaged, they can rely on others they have grown. An informant explained, 'By growing wheat after jute and rice after another crop, I've been able to produce more than with a single crop'. Multiple informants emphasized that growing diverse crops increases food availability and security for families. They annually produce rice grains for consumption throughout the year and keep lentils and wheat, selling the surplus. Many participants in the focus group discussions argued that cultivating multiple crops each year reduces financial risks. One interviewee stated, 'Harvesting multiple crops at different times keeps me financially secure'. Moreover, diversifying the crops also adds variety to families' food habits, as pointed out by one participant. Many participants mentioned that it broadens their diet, allowing them to store and consume different crops such as wheat, lentils, and potatoes. Regarding the question of whether growing multiple crops increases a family's nutrient intake, many informants highlighted that it indeed enhances food nutrients. 'For instance, I grow wheat, rice, lentils, mustard, and sugarcane, which provide various nutrients', one informant added (Table 3).
Table 3. Multi-crop production and sustainable consumption.
i Diverse crops, household food availability, and people's accessibility to food (a) The prices of products remain stable within the affordability of the masses (b) Food security could be ensured due to multi production ii Food utilization and crop diversification (a) Different nutrients from diverse foods (b) Growing multiple crops diversifies the dietary habits of families, resulting in a variety of crops available for consumption iii Growing multiple crops, and families' food security (a) Food optimization could be greatly ensured (b) Growing diverse crops increases food accessibility vital for food security Source: Authors' generated table, 2023. -
The data are not publicly available due to maintaining the confidentiality of the information provided by the informants.
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About this article
Cite this article
Rahman MM, Islam A, Ferdousee S. 2024. Crop diversification, sustainable production, and consumption (SDG-12) in rural Bangladesh: insights from the northern region of the country. Circular Agricultural Systems 4: e006 doi: 10.48130/cas-0024-0005
Crop diversification, sustainable production, and consumption (SDG-12) in rural Bangladesh: insights from the northern region of the country
- Received: 09 November 2023
- Revised: 13 January 2024
- Accepted: 23 January 2024
- Published online: 21 March 2024
Abstract: The present study aimed to understand the current situation of diverse crop production in the northern region of Bangladesh. It also focused on sustainable production and consumption (SDG-12) and its association with crop diversification in the study area. The study adopted several tools and techniques of qualitative methods to design, collect data, and analyze them. By utilizing a non-random, purposive sampling, we chose some selected areas in northern Bangladesh, and following the sampling procedure, 50 farmers (small-scale agriculture producers) were selected to answer the central research questions and study-specific objectives. As part of the qualitative data analysis technique, this research employed a 'thematic analysis' tool to categorize the collected data under appropriate sub-themes which highlighted the study's major aims and objectives. It is demonstrated that crop diversification is one of the most important strategies for ensuring sustainable agriculture and production. In addition, diverse agricultural production plays a vital role in ensuring farmers' accessibility to food for household consumption. The study recommends that crop diversification should be thoroughly encouraged by the government of Bangladesh (GoB) to achieve SDG-12 (Sustainable Production and Consumption) by 2030. Additionally, the relevant officials of the GoB should provide necessary high-yielding seeds of diverse crops among the peasants in rural Bangladesh. Further research can be carried out on climate-resilient local food production systems to ensure sustainable food production and consumption in the country.