Adoption and abandonment of hybrid rice technology: The case of Bangladesh

Abstract

Our study delves into the dual dynamics of adoption and abandonment of hybrid rice technology in Bangladesh, filling a gap in the literature that emphasizes technology adoption over abandonment. Drawing on primary data from 1301 farm households, the research empirically explores the factors influencing the adoption and abandonment of hybrid rice technology in Bangladesh. With rice being a staple in Bangladesh, the government seeks to boost hybrid rice adoption due to its higher yield potential. Descriptive findings highlight challenges, including inferior cooked rice quality and low market prices. Adoption is prominent among market-oriented farmers, while abandonment is associated with income earning from nonfarm sectors and self-consumption cultivation. Notably, Bangladesh imports over 75% of hybrid rice seeds, primarily from China and India, with less than a quarter developed domestically. The study recommends strategic investment in adaptive research to enhance hybrid rice grain quality specifically on amylose content in hybrid rice to make cooked hybrid rice less sticky. To achieve the objective, this study emphasizes collaborative efforts between national and international research organizations. It underscores the importance of developing and deploying hybrid rice technology with improved traits to cater consumer demand and to bolster food security. Additionally, the study advocates for strong financial support from international donor agencies to advance national adaptive research initiatives.