CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Background

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are the basic environmental and operational conditions
necessary for the production of safe, wholesome fruits and vegetables (FAO, 2020). The
purpose of GAPs is to give logical guidance in implementing best management practices that
will help to reduce the risks of microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables. Examples of
GAPs include worker hygiene and health, manure use and water quality throughout the
production and harvesting process (NC State Extension News, n.d.).

The global scenario of agriculture is changing rapidly. Everyday new concepts and
technologies are emerging exposing farmers to a new set of challenges and opportunities.
Agriculture is no longer looked upon as a mere way of earning minimal livelihood but as a
promising enterprise in the era of liberalization (FAO, 2017). In order to survive the growing
competition in the market farmers need to be empowered. Information is the inevitable weapon
for their empowerment as information leads to efficient and productive decision making (UN,
2023). Knowledge and information are basic elements of food security and are indispensable
for enabling rural development and bringing socio-economic change as well (FAO, 2006). In
today's world, every single piece of information is powerful, and an attempt is to be taken to
keep our farmers informed and updated continually about the agricultural phenomena taking
place worldwide. This will open wide scope for the farmers to make their stand in the world
stage of agriculture and also create an avenue for flow of foreign exchange into the national
economy (World Bank, 2023).

These food safety standards require a common language for all geographically dispersed
stakeholders around the world in order to make global trade smooth. To set a common
understanding about the standards FAO came up with certain globally accepted control and
compliance systems and standards for measures of food safety like Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP). According to FAO (2003), GAP are the practices that address environmental, economic
and social sustainability for on-farm processes and result in safe and quality food and non-food
agricultural products. Bangladeshi farmers are yet to be familiar with these measures that can
help them to gain consumer trust and reputation in international market and also to avoid the
non-tariff barriers set by World Trade Organization (WTO).
Though GAP is equally important for all crops it is inevitable for fresh produce cultivation due
to their highly perishable nature and growing demand in market. Bangladeshi fresh food sector
has yet not been able to realize its full potential in terms of export market share. Bangladesh's
export to European and American market is still very less due to not complying with stringent
quality standards (The Daily Star, 2022). Some of the challenges relate to lack of knowledge
on food safety standards, quality compliances and GAP. Sandhi et al. (2017) found positive
response from the farmers practicing GAP who were reported to be benefited from practicing
GAP. The major problems for not adopting GAP are insufficient information on pesticide and
fertilizer management, lack of hygiene awareness, knowledge on food safety, lack of
information on GAP guidelines etc. Care should be taken to promote awareness among farmers
about these quality control standards at least for those crops which have high export potential
(Damalas & Eleftherohorinos, 2011).

Adoption of GAP can help farmers grow as per the international standards and it depends on
improving farmers' access to information on GAP. For all these, only technological
breakthroughs are not enough, but farmers' awareness and education are important which can
facilitate capacity building of the farmers. Besides, other stakeholders are also to be made well
aware of GAP so that they can guide the farmers in right track. Information is a basic
component in any development activity and is useful only if it is available and user has the
access to it (Laudon & Laudon, 2011). To design proper mechanism for information
dissemination the preliminary requirement is to measure the existing level of information that
the farmers hold on GAP. The existing situation, past experiences and present needs of potential
adopters have significant role to play in the rate of adoption of an innovation (Rogers, 1962).
Therefore, for any successful extension intervention thorough understanding of the client is the
first and foremost requirement. Further, the training programs and other educational
instruments can be formulated based on the information need of the client group on GAP.
Under these circumstances this research aims to assess the present information needs of the
farmers on different Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

The scope of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Bangladesh is significant and holds great
potential for the country's agricultural sector. GAP is a set of principles and practices that aim
to ensure sustainable and safe agricultural production while minimizing environmental
impacts. By adopting GAP, farmers can enhance their agricultural productivity through
efficient resource management, proper crop selection, improved irrigation techniques, and

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effective pest and disease control. This can lead to increased yields and better-quality produce.
By adhering to proper handling, storage, and transportation practices, farmers can reduce the
risk of contamination and ensure that their produce meets national and international food safety
standards. Moreover, compliance with GAP standards allows farmers to access domestic and
international markets that prioritize food safety and quality. With increasing consumer
awareness and demand for safe and sustainable agricultural products, GAP certification can
provide a competitive advantage for Bangladeshi farmers in both local and global markets.
Moreover, GAP promotes sustainable agriculture by emphasizing the responsible use of
resources, such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Implementing practices like integrated pest
management, organic farming, and soil conservation techniques can help minimize negative
environmental impacts and preserve natural resources for future generations. However, the
adoption of GAP requires information, training and technical support for farmers. This presents
an opportunity for information dissemination opportunities, capacity building initiatives and
knowledge transfer programs, where farmers can learn about improved farming techniques,
crop management practices, and post-harvest handling methods. These initiatives can be
supported by government agencies, NGOs, and agricultural extension services. Thus, to fully
realize the scope of GAP in Bangladesh, it is crucial to establish supportive policies, provide
solid information base, training and technical assistance, and strengthen market linkages for
farmers. Collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and private
sector stakeholders is essential to promote and scale up GAP adoption across the agricultural
sector. Moreover, it is necessary to have an account of the scenario of information needs of the
farmers regarding different phases of good agricultural practices (GAPs). Hence, the present
study was carried out to find out answers to the following research questions:

i. What is the extent of information needs of farmers for Good Agricultural Practices
(GAPs)?
ii. Is there any relationship of the farmers’ selected characteristics with their
information needs for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)?
iii. What are the problems that farmers perceive which hinder the adoption of Good
Agricultural Practices (GAPs)?
1.3 Specific Objectives of the Study
Based on the significance of the problem discussed above, the researcher undertook the present
research with the following specific objectives:
1. To assess the information needs of farmers for good agricultural practices (GAPs).

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2. To explore the relationship between farmers’ selected characteristics with their information
needs for good agricultural practices (GAPs).

3. To determine the problems perceived by farmers in adopting good agricultural practices

(GAPs).

1.4 Justification of the Study

Information on good agricultural practices (GAP) of farmers is essential in Bangladesh for
several reasons. Knowledge about GAP helps farmers adopt improved techniques and methods
for crop cultivation. This includes appropriate seed selection, land preparation, irrigation
methods, pest and disease management, and efficient use of fertilizers. Implementing GAP can
significantly increase crop yields, leading to higher agricultural productivity and improved
food security in the country. On the other hand, good agricultural practices promote sustainable
farming methods that minimize the negative environmental impacts of agricultural activities.
It includes the judicious use of water, proper management of soil health and nutrients, reduced
chemical inputs, and conservation of biodiversity. By adopting sustainable GAP, farmers can
protect the environment, maintain soil fertility, and reduce pollution. Moreover, GAP
guidelines ensure the production of safe, high-quality agricultural products. By following good
practices, farmers can minimize the presence of contaminants, pesticide residues, and
pathogens in their crops, ensuring consumer health and safety. It also helps in meeting national
and international standards for export purposes, thereby improving market access and
competitiveness. Adopting GAP can have economic advantages for farmers. By improving
productivity and quality, farmers can obtain higher market prices for their produce. Moreover,
adhering to GAP can reduce production costs, as farmers optimize the use of inputs, minimize
crop losses, and prevent wastage. This can contribute to increased profitability and income for
farmers, leading to poverty reduction and rural development. Disseminating information on
good agricultural practices helps build the capacity of farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Through training programs, workshops, and extension services, farmers can acquire new
knowledge, skills, and technologies related to GAP. This knowledge transfer empowers
farmers to make informed decisions, adopt innovative practices, and overcome challenges,
thereby improving their overall agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Thus, assessing the
availability and dissemination of information on good agricultural practices in Bangladesh can
play a crucial role in improving crop productivity, promoting sustainable farming methods,
ensuring food safety, enhancing economic outcomes, and empowering farmers with knowledge
and skills to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.

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1.5 Assumptions of the Study
The researcher had the following assumptions in mind while undertaking this study:

1. The selected respondents were competent enough to reply to the queries made by the
researcher.
2. The responses furnished by the respondents were valid and reliable.
3. Information furnished by the respondents included in the sample was the representative
opinion of the whole population of the study area.
4. The researcher who acted as interviewer was well adjusted to the social and environment
condition of the study area. Hence, the data collected by him from the respondents were free
from bias.
5. All the data concerning the variables of the study were normally and independently
distributed.

1.6 Limitations of the Study

In order to make the study manageable and meaningful from the point of view of research, it
was necessary to state the limitations of this study, which are given as follows:

1. The study was confined to two selected unions of Phulbari Upazila under Dinajpur district.

2. The characteristics of the respondents in the study area were many and varied but only 10
characteristics were selected to examine their contribution to their information need for good
agricultural practices.

3. The researcher relied on the data furnished by the farmers from their memory during
interview.

4. For some cases, the researcher faced unexpected interference from the over interested side-
talkers while collecting data from the target populations. However, the researcher tried to
overcome the problem as far as possible with sufficient tact and skill.

1.7 Definition of Important Terms

Certain key terms used throughout the study are defined and interpreted below for clarification
of understanding:

Cover crops: They are plants that are planted to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of
being harvested. Cover crops manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds,
pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in an agroecosystem.

Crop rotation: It is the practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of
land to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and weed pressure.
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Environmental stewardship: Environmental stewardship refers to responsible use and
protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Extension media contact: This term refers to one’s becoming accessible to the influence of
extension media contact through different extension teaching methods.

Good agricultural practices (GAPs): Good agricultural practice is a certification system for
agriculture, specifying procedures that must be implemented to create food for consumers or
further processing that is safe and wholesome, using sustainable methods.

Integrated pest management (IPM): IPM also known as integrated pest control is a broad-
based approach that integrates both chemical and non-chemical practices for economic control
of pests. IPM aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level.

Mulching: It is generally used to save water, suppress weeds and improve the soil around
plants but it also gives your garden a neat, tidy appearance and can reduce the amount of time
spent on tasks such as watering and weeding.

Non-Government Organization (NGO): It is an organization developed and managed by

private initiatives.

Precision agriculture: It is a farming management strategy based on observing, measuring

and responding to temporal and spatial variability to improve agricultural production
sustainability. It is used in both crop and livestock production.

Soil conservation: It is a combination of practices used to protect the soil from degradation.
First and foremost, soil conservation involves treating the soil as a living ecosystem. This
means returning organic matter to the soil on a continual basis.

Soil erosion: It is the denudation or wearing away of the upper layer of soil. It is a form of soil
degradation. This natural process is caused by the dynamic activity of erosive agents, that is,
water, ice, snow, air, plants, and animals.

Soil health: Soil health is a state of a soil meeting its range of ecosystem functions as
appropriate to its environment. In more colloquial terms, the health of soil arises from favorable
interactions of all soil components that belong together, as in microbiota, plants and animals.

Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is a type of agriculture that focuses on

producing long-term crops and livestock while having minimal effects on the environment.

Technology: Technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of

human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human
environment.