Agriculture is the single most important sector of Bangladesh’s economy. About
84% of the 145 millions people of Bangladesh are directly or indirectly engaged in
a wide range of agricultural activities (Rahman 2004). Crop is the main sector of
agriculture and within the crop sector, rice dominates with an average of 71% share
(Food and Agriculture Organization 2004). High Yield Variety (HYV) Boro rice
is the highest contributors of total rice supply in Bangladesh. Out of 27.83 million
metric tons total rice production in 2007–2008, 16.9 Million metric ton was from
Boro rice. Boro rice, grown during dry season (Jan to May) and cultivated under
irrigation scheme, is the main cultivated crop in northern as well as other parts
of the country. The rapid growth of minor irrigation equipments has inspired the
farmers to make a progressive shift from high-risk, monsoon dependent agriculture
to low-risk, irrigation-based agriculture. The average area of Boro rice has increased
substantially in last 20 years (Akter and Jaim 2002). The population of Bangladesh
is growing by two million every year and may increase by another 24 millions over
the next 12 years (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2003). Bangladesh will require
about 4.5 million tons of more rice to feed the increased population by 2020. A large
portion of this increased production is expected to come from expansion of irrigation
based Boro rice cultivation (Wahid et al. 2007).