ADOPTION OF MODERN RICE VARIETIES IN BANGLADESH

This paper reviewed the farm level adoption rate and yield of modern rice varieties. This study used both primary and secondary data. The analysis shows that 46 percent of the total rice area were devoted to grow modern rice varieties in 1990. Among all MVs, BR 11 was the predominant variety which covered 63.03 percent of the total MV area and gave the highest yield in T. Aman season. Purbachi covered 21.1 and 34.08 percent of the MV areas in Boro and Aus season respectively while BR3 ranked the highest position in terms of yield both in Boro and Aus season of 1990. Per hectare use of nitrogen, triple super phosphate and potash in Aman and Aus season was much lower than the recommended rate but in Boro season, application of urea and TSP fertilizers at the sample farms were almost close to the recommended rate. Subsistence pressure, land unsuitability, timing and inadequate extension contact were important constraints to the adoption of' MVs in Arnan season