Analysis Of Total Factor Productivity Of Wheat In Bangladesh

The study dealt with the total wheat scenario in terms of productivity growth in Bangladesh covering the period from 1980 to 2006. The 26 years of wheat production period was divided iaio three consecutive sub periods: period I (1980 to 1990), period II (1991 to 2000) and period III (2001 to 2006). Technological breakthrough was started from the mid of the 1" period and continued up to the end of the 2°d period. The study revealed that the growth rate of inputs used was higher in the 2nd period than in the 1S` period. The growth rate of output price was always lower than that of input prices. In spite of the lowest partial factor productivity indices of all the input, the total factor productivity indices were highest in the 2nd period. The 28 years' (1972-73 to 1999-00) mean rainfall and temperature did not favour the farmers to produce more wheat. In aggregate sense, the wheat production in the 2"d period was the most cost effective. The growth rate of yield was found to be 0.2 percent during the study period. Of the period, only 2nd period was considered as the golden revolutionary period in the history of wheat in Bangladesh since 1980. Technological change in wheat production in the golden revolutionary period has relatively benefited consumers more than producers. Research, mechanization and market are the most important sources of growth in total factor productivity. The extent of annual fluctuation of wheat productivity will have to be minimized by more efficient use of inputs.