Food security through increasing technical efficiency and reducing postharvest losses of rice production systems in Bangladesh

Rice accounts for nearly 70 % of calories consumed in Bangladesh. Therefore, any effort to improve food security in the country must find ways to increase availability of rice. This paper investigates two of these ways: increasing technical efficiency of rice production and reducing post-harvest losses. Technical efficiency was measured from Cobb-Douglas and translog production functions for the rice production seasons Aus (spring), Aman (summer) and Boro (winter). Efficiency estimates ranged from 73 to 83 %, suggesting that the potential exists for substantial increases in rice production while continuing to use current technologies and inputs. Variables influencing technical efficiency were farm size, level of famers' education, farmers' experience in production, microcredit, training and extension. Post-harvest losses between farmer and retailer were estimated at 10-12 %, suggesting potentially an additional source of rice without changes in production. Reduction of postharvest losses were significantly related to the availability of extension services.