Maize-rice cropping systems in Bangladesh: Status and research needs

Abstract

Maize-rice cropping systems are expanding in Bangladesh. Hybrid maize has increasing demand and value, particularly for poultry feed, while rice remains the traditional dominant starch staple food. Bangladesh maize yields (with average farm yields around 5.7 t·ha-1) are among the highest found in Asia. Cool winter (Rabi) season maize followed by T. Aman (monsoon) rice is the major cropping system; however it is now becoming diversified with many other crops including potato. Financially, hybrid maize is far more profitable than boro (irrigated) rice, wheat, or most other competing winter season Rabi crops. Although maize is relatively problem-free in Bangladesh, some constraints are intensifying with increased concern over input supply and soil-related environmental sustainability. An array of new technologies for sustainable intensive maize production systems is emerging in Bangladesh and some are being promoted and adopted. Continued sustainability of hybrid maize production in Bangladesh depends on optimization of planting time, quality seed of appropriate hybrids, balanced use of nutrient inputs along with soil fertility conservation and other management, for which further research would be high priority.