ECONOMIC POTENTIALS OF RUBBER (Hevea brasiliensis) MONOCULTURE AND RUBBER-AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM: A CASE STUDY OF NORTHERN BANGLADESH

M. G.  Rakkibu; M. A.   Kyser; R.  Rana

doi:10.53808/KUS.2003.5.1.0331-L

Authors

M. G. Rakkibu Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
M. A. Kyser Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
R. Rana Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.2003.5.1.0331-L

Keywords:

Rubber-Agroforestry; Rubber-Monoculture; Financial Analysis.

Abstract

A financial analysis of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation was made in February 2003 to determine economic profitability of rubber monoculture and rubber-agroforestry system in a rubber plantation of Sherpur district of Bangladesh. Rubber was intercropped with ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), paddy (Oryza sativa), eggplant (Solanum melongena), different types of vegetables and fruits. Output was calculated on the basis of present market price. Financial indicators used were Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). Level of profit was determined at the 15^th year of the economic life of the plantings while average profit was increasing. Using 6% nominal interest rate NPV was found to be Taka 57751 for rubber-agroforestry and Taka -78043 (negative) for monoculture of rubber, IRR was 9% for rubber-agroforestry and -12% (negative) for monoculture and BCR was 1.43 for rubber-agroforestry and 0.22 for monoculture. Higher profit in rubber plantation can be achieved by practicing agroforestry. Agroforestry practice in rubber gardens has great potential in terms of profitability and enhanced environmental amelioration.

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