Determinants of onion yield variation among farmers in Pabna district, Bangladesh: Evidence from an ordered logistic regression model

Abstract

Many socioeconomic, institutional, and biophysical factors contribute to substantial variation in onion yields among growers in Bangladesh in general and in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna district in particular. The main objective of the present study was to identify factors affecting the probability of onion yield falling into low, medium, or high categories, given a set of yield-determining inputs. Primary data collected from 40 randomly selected onion growers in Sujanagar upazila were analysed using a proportional odds (ordered logistic) model. The study finds that several socioeconomic and agro-ecological variables-, such as farmer age, plot size, onion variety (Kings and Taherpuri), farming experience, and fertilizer use- significantly influence onion yield categories. Therefore, it is imperative to provide greater support to small farmers and arrange training programs and extension services to enhance farmers’ skill and experience. Moreover, agricultural advisory services should emphasize the appropriate use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides to enhance onion yields in the study area.

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 51(1): 461-471, March 2026