Whether crop diversification is a desired strategy for agricultural growth in Bangladesh

This study aimed at examining the merit of crop diversification as a strategy for agricultural growth in Bangladesh. Specifically, the existence of economies of diversification, scale economies and diversification efficiencies at the farm level were examined using a stochastic input-distance function approach. Results reveal strong evidence of diversification economies amongst most crop enterprises except the combination of modern rice and modern wheat enterprises. Ray economies of scale exist in Bangladeshi cropping system. Also, significant efficiency gains were made from diversification among cropping enterprises. The key policy implication is that crop diversification should be a desired strategy for agricultural growth in Bangladesh. Development of the rural infrastructure is also essential as this will not only improve technical efficiency but may also synergistically promote crop diversification by opening up opportunities for technology diffusion, marketing, storage and resource supplies. JEL classification: O33; Q18; C21