Farmers’ Income and Adoption Determinants of Organic Bean Farming: Evidence from Narsingdi District, Bangladesh

Abstract

The growing demand for organic vegetables in Bangladesh underscores the need to evaluate the profitability of organic versus inorganic country bean production. This study applied an endogenous treatment effect model to compare the income of organic and inorganic bean growers. Research was conducted in Monohardi Upazila of Narsingdi district, a prominent vegetable-producing region, using data collected through interviews with 100 organic and 100 inorganic farmers. Findings reveal that organic bean growers had an average age of 43.94 years and 25.38 years of farming experience, while inorganic growers averaged 44.06 years of age and 27.43 years of experience. Inorganic farmers reported more frequent contact with extension workers (65 contacts annually) compared to organic farmers (60 contacts). Conversely, organizational participation was markedly higher among organic growers (98%) than inorganic growers (56%). The endogenous treatment effect model showed that conventional farming methods generated a 22.9% higher gross margin compared to organic methods. Gross margin was significantly influenced by household size and organizational participation. Moreover, bean yield, farmers’ age, farming experience, and organizational involvement emerged as critical factors shaping the decision to adopt organic or inorganic production practices. Overall, the study highlights that while conventional methods currently offer higher profitability, organizational participation and socio-economic characteristics strongly influence farmers’ production choices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and extension services aiming to balance profitability with sustainability in Bangladesh’s vegetable sector.