Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate (i) the existing types of homestead
vegetable production systems in Bangladesh involving climbing support system
with potential benefits, and (ii) the agronomic and economic performance of
potential climber type vegetables over seasons grown on climbing support
systems (trees, trellises and roof tops) in the homesteads of Barind Tract in
Bangladesh. Three studies were carried out viz. sampling survey, field experiment
and economic survey. In the study area, most of the respondent farmers cultivated
climbing vegetables on trellis support system (58 %) followed by roof tops
support system (24 %) and trees support system (18%). Most of the respondent
farmers (80%) in Level Barind opined that because of high yield, easily
intercultural operation, adequate space and quality fruits, they used the trellis
support system. On the other hand, in Terrace Barind location, most of the
respondent farmers used support systems i.e. trellis, roof tops and trees for
vegetable production because they looked for more products from homestead area
at a time. In the study areas, most of the respondents (36 % and 42 % in Level
Barind and Terrace Barind locations) utilized their products for own use and sale.
White gourd (summer), bottle gourd and country bean (winter) and sweet gourd
(year-round) were the major climbing vegetables. Lack of knowledge about
technology, proper cultural operations and variety selection were the major
problem for vegetable production in the study areas. Most of the farmers (80%)
used trellises support system to cultivate climbing vegetables. Among different
climber vegetables bottle gourd, sweet gourd, country bean, white gourd and
sponge gourd are suitable for cultivation in the homestead area of Barind Tract.
Among climbing support system, trellises support system produced the highest
creeper vegetable followed by roof tops support system and the lowest in trees
support system. Creeper type vegetable viz. bottle gourd, sweet gourd, country
bean, white gourd and sponge gourd production in trellises support system in
homestead helps livelihood improvement in Barind Tract of Bangladesh. The
farmers with higher livelihood status spend a significant amount of money for
productive purpose (land and capital expenditure) reducing food expenditure with
a consumption of balanced nutrition. Therefore, the farmers practicing homestead
vegetable cultivation can increase their per capita income and savings for their
livelihood improvement.