The sustainability of conventional agriculture in Bangladesh is under threat from the continuous
degradation of land and water resources, and from declining yields due to indiscriminate
use of agro-chemicals. An NGO is pursuing efforts to promote ecological
agriculture with emphasis on better use of on-farm resources and the reduction of external
inputs. This paper examines the sustainability of two production systems in terms of their
environmental soundness, economic viability and social acceptability based on empirical data
collected through a household survey, soil sample analysis, observations and discussions with
key informants. Twelve indicators were selected to evaluate sustainability. Significant differences
were found between the two systems in crop diversification, soil fertility management,
pests and diseases management, and use of agro-chemicals. However, no significant variations
were found in other indicators such as land-use pattern, crop yield and stability, risk and
uncertainties, and food security. Although crop yield and financial return were found to be
slightly higher in the conventional system, the economic return and value addition per unit of
land did not show any difference. The findings suggest that ecological agriculture has a tendency
towards becoming ecologically, economically and socially more sound than conventional
agriculture, as it requires considerably less agro-chemicals, adds more organic matter to
the soil, provides balanced food, and requires higher local inputs without markedly compromising
output and financial benefits. Broad-policy measures, including the creation of mass