Comparative Analysis of Mono Crops and Diversified Crops in South-Western Region in Bangladesh

Abstract

Agriculture remains an important sector of Bangladesh’s economy and a major source of rural livelihoods. However, excessive dependence on mono-cropping, particularly rice-based production, creates challenges related to production risks, rising input costs, inefficient resource use, and climate variability. This study, titled “Comparative Analysis of Mono Crops and Diversified Crops in South-Western Region in Bangladesh,” examines the comparative economic performance, cost structure, profitability, and resource-use efficiency of mono-cropping and diversified cropping systems. The study used primary cross-sectional data collected from 300 farm households, comprising 200 diversified-crop farmers and 100 mono-crop farmers, from Kushtia, Jhenaidah, and Meherpur districts. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, cost–return analysis, and input-use efficiency analysis based on Marginal Value Product (MVP) and Marginal Factor Cost (MFC). The findings reveal substantial differences between the two cropping systems. Diversified cropping generated a higher gross return of Tk. 123,045 and net return of Tk. 56,535, compared with Tk. 41,058 and Tk. 11,533, respectively, for mono-cropping. Although diversified farming involved a higher total production cost of Tk. 66,510, compared with Tk. 29,525 for mono-cropping, it achieved a higher Benefit–Cost Ratio of 1.850, compared with 1.391. The resource-use efficiency analysis also showed contrasting patterns of input utilization, indicating opportunities for improving resource allocation in both farming systems. Overall, the study concludes that diversified cropping is more profitable and offers greater potential for increasing farm income and improving economic efficiency in the south-western region of Bangladesh. The study recommends improved access to irrigation, agricultural credit, extension services, market information, and appropriate input-management practices to promote sustainable and economically efficient crop diversification.