Production, Processing, and Value Addition of Selected Fruits and Vegetables in Particular Region of Bangladesh: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

The objective of the study was to explore the status, challenges, and opportunities of production, processing, and value addition of banana, tomato, and jackfruit in the Gazipur and Bogura districts of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey with purposive sampling (n=200) was conducted by qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. About 97% of respondents age were 20-60 years with under secondary level (63%) education. Most of the family (38% and 29.50%) contain of four and three family members respectively with male (73%) and female (27%). The core sources of income were from farming (67.50%), non-farm enterprise (14.50%), and animal husbandry (12%). About 66% of the respondents had 0.20-1.00 acre of land for cultivating bananas, tomatoes, and jackfruit. Almost 45% of the respondents had allocated 0.11-0.20-acre land individually for banana and tomato whereas, jackfruit was grown within 0.02-0.10-acre land individually. It was also found that 47%, 39%, and 80% of respondents harvested 101-200 kg of banana, 401-500 kg of tomato, and 300 pieces of jackfruit respectfully. Most of the respondents had no idea about improved technology or new methods for crops production. Most of the farmers had sold their crops as raw and ripe in the local retail market and they have no idea about processed foods from these fruits, processing methods and machines, value addition, and marketing channels. However, they wanted to be part of value addition for improving their livelihood. It is stated that processing and value addition provide enough opportunities for government and non-government entities to make use of their resources.