LAUSR

The study was conducted to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of water-saving technologies (WST) on Boro rice (Oryza sativa; var. BRRIdhan 29) farming in Bangladesh. A total of 480 farmers (80 focal and 400 control) were selected as sample from Mymensingh, Comilla, Bogra and Gaibandha districts. Focal farmers were selected purposively and a limited amount of financial support was provided to them to implement WST. On the other hand, control farmers were selected randomly. They did not receive any financial support and continued practicing conventional irrigation methods. For analyzing the data, a combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used. The study revealed that 62.5 and 37.5% of focal farmers adopted alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and system of rice intensification (SRI) methods, respectively, where the majority of them were within the late majority group in terms of adoption. The profitability and productivity of Boro rice, as well as water productivity, were comparatively higher for focal farmers compared to control farmers. Furthermore, focal farmers’ irrigation amount for producing Boro rice was significantly lower than control farmers. The study also revealed that focal farmers’ income from rice production was 24.6% higher than control farmers. Input support, motivation, training programs and extension services are recommended to implement to raise the awareness and enrich the knowledge of the farmers on water-saving technologies.