Bangladesh Rice J.

21 (2) : 173-184, 2017

Crops and Cropping Sequences in

Chittagong Hill Tracts
M K Quais1*, M Harunur Rashid1, S M Shahidullah1 and M Nasim1

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in all 25 upazilas of Chittagong Hill Tracts during 2016 using a pre-designed
and pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire for documenting the existing cropping pattern, crop
diversity and cropping intensity. Boro-Fallow-T. Aman was the most dominant cropping pattern in
Chittagong Hill Tracts (15.06%) existed in all upazilas except Ruma of Bandarban. Single T. Aman
cropping pattern ranked the second position (13.67%) distributed in 21 upazilas. Shifting or zhum
cultivation was the third cropping pattern in the region (9.24%) distributed to 20 upazilas. Only Rabi
vegetables was recorded as the fourth cropping pattern (4.90%) covered 17 upazilas. Vegetables-
Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern ranked fifth (4.23%) in the region and was reported in 22 upazilas.
About 30% area was covered by the annual crops mainly with fruits like banana, pineapple and papaya
and, spices like ginger and turmeric. The highest number of cropping patterns was recorded in Lama
(30) of Bandarban followed by Dighinala (28) of Khagrachhari. The lowest was reported in Ruma (8)
of Bandarban. The overall crop diversity index (CDI) for the region was 0.96. The highest CDI was in
Rowangchhari (0.99) of Bandarban followed by Lama (0.96) of Bandarban and the lowest in Belaichhari
(0.82) of Rangamati. The single, double and triple cropped area in the region was 33.3%, 32.1% and
3.1% of the net cropped area. The average cropping intensity (CI) of the Chittagong Hill Tracts was
139%, the lowest in Ruma (100%) of Bandarban and the highest in Manikchhari and Panchhari (164%)
of Khagrachhari.
Key words: Cropping patterns, land use, cropping intensity, diversity index and hill tract

INTRODUCTION The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) presents

unique biophysical characteristics, ethnic
Number of crops grown under different diversity and farming practices following
cropping patterns varies from region to region. certain cropping pattern that has taken care of
Cropping pattern influences the consumption the lives support of the hill people including
pattern as well as health and nutritional status dwelling, food, clothing, health care, festivities
of the people (Barua et al., 2015). A cropping and other activities (Khisa, 1998). The CHT
districts of the country have generally been
pattern is defined as yearly sequences of crop
identified as a disadvantaged region in terms
production in a piece of land are grown in the
of poverty, food insecurity, environmental
course of a year (Alam, 1994). A large number vulnerability and limited livelihood
of factors like climate, soil type, rainfall, insect opportunities. The stress environment of the
and disease pressure, agricultural technology; hilly areas of the country received very little
availability of irrigation facilities and other attention in the past. The increased pressure of
inputs, marketing and transport facilities, growing population demand more food that
subsistence pressure and the growth of agro- brings attention to explore the possibilities
industries influence on the cropping pattern of increasing the potential of the hilly lands
and the changes therein (Neema, 1998; Gadge, for increased production of crops. Moreover,
2003; Rashid et al., 2005). cultivable land area is decreasing day by day

1
Rice Farming Systems Division, BRRI, Gazipur; *Corresponding author’s E-mail: [email protected]
in the country. In this context, there is no other data were collected through pre-tested,
alternative but to address less fabourable and semi-structured questionnaire from 25 pre-
unfavourable environments for food security assigned Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers
and to adapt to the climatic variability. The (SAAO) of each upazila during March 2016 at
overall strategy for seventh five year plan upazila level. The SAAOs were purposively
of Bangladesh is to accelerate the process of preselected by Agriculture Extension Officers
transformation from existing semi-subsistence (AEO), Additional Agriculture Officer (AAO)
farming to commercialization of agriculture. and Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO) or
The strategy requires achieving productivity altogether. Prior to data collection, the pre-
gains, diversification, value addition and tested questionnaire was explained along with
agro-processing commensurate with national proper guidelines to the AEOs or UAOs or
environment protection and climate change both and handed over to them at each Deputy
adaptation strategies. (GED, 2015). Director’s office of Department of Agricultural
The increased total system productivity of Extension (DAE) during monthly meeting for
an environment needs diversity in enterprises the sake of accurate data collection. The filled
for better use of limited resources. Detailed questionnaires were collected by the scientists
information on land use and cropping systems of RFS Division, checked and analyzed to find
is a pre-requisite for a fruitful development the inconsistencies of the supplied data before
programmes on crop intensification and validation workshop. All the inconsistencies
diversification for food and nutritional security. among the information were documented.
The Department of Agricultural Extension The collected data along with documented
maintains a statistics on individual crop at inconsistencies were discussed in district level
upazila level. However, there is lacking of workshop to for necessary correction and
authenticated information on cropping pattern validation. Second stage of data collection was
and cropping intensity at upazila and regional daylong data validation workshop at district
level. The present scenario of cropping patterns level during 16 to 18 May 2016. Four field-
of a particular area may guide policy makers, workers i.e. one SAPPO and three SAAOs
researchers and extension personnelfor taking experienced and engaged in crop-based data
initiative to fulfill the implementation of documentation, all officers from all upazilas
priority plan of Sustainable Development Goal viz UAOs, AEOs, AAEOs, DD (DAE), DD
and Seventh Five year Plan for ending poverty (Horticulture), DD of Seed Certification
and achieving food security.The present study Agency, DTO and ADDs, one representative
was designed with the following specific from Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and
objectives to: scientists of BRRI regional station, Satkhira,
• Understand the existing cropping patterns Bhanga and Rajshahi participated in the data
scenario in the CHT validation workshop. The number participants
• Visualize the existing land use pattern at of validation workshop ranged from 48 to
upazila and regional level 63 in each district. All the participants were
divided into three to four groups for data
• Determine the crop diversity and cropping
validation. Each group was facilitated by two
intensity at local and regional level.
RFSD scientists to finalize and validate the data
and authenticated data were captured. Crop
diversity index was calculated by using the
METHODOLOGY
following equation described by Kshirsagar et
al. (1997).
Twenty-five upazilas of Bandarban, Rangamati
CDIi = 1 - / c m
and Khagrachhari districts under Chittagong n
aij 2
Hill Tracts agricultural region were the locale j=o Ai
of this study. Data were collected using
double stage procedure. At initial stage, Where, CDIi = Crop Diversity Index

174 Quais et al
 aij =Area planted to the jth crop in the ith ranged from 480 to 4,550 ha. The annual crops
location area accounted about 30% of the net cropped
Ai = Total area planted under all crops area (NCA) in the region. Among the annual
crops, banana was widely distributed with
The index is zero for a land area growing higher area coverage. Ginger was distributed in
only one crop approaches unity as the level 23 upazilas ranged 120 to 520 ha. Turmeric was
of diversity increase. Data were compiled and reported in all upazilas except Naikhongchhari
processed using Micro Soft Excel programme. with a range of 130 to 980 ha. Pineapple was
Descriptive statistics were used to facilitate the found in 19 upazilas with a major contribution
presentation of the findings. from Ruma, Nannerchar, and Rowangchhari.
Papaya was reported in 17 upazilas with an
area coverage of five to 300 ha. Sugarcane was
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION also reported in all upazilas except Barkal with
a narrow area coverage (5-85 ha).
Land use The single cropped area (SCA) had the major
Crops occupied the particular land for round share in NCA in Ruma, Thanchi, Matiranga,
the year were considered under annual crops. Baghaichhari, Barkal, Belaichhari, Kawkhali,
The major annual crops reported in Chittagong Langadu and Rangamati sadar followed by
hill tracts were banana, turmeric, ginger, corresponding double cropped area (DCA).
pineapple, papaya and sugarcane (Table 1). The The rest of the upazilas were dominated by
area under annual crops in different upazilas DCA (Table 2). The proportion of triple cropped

Table 1. Upazila wise area coverage under annual crops in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Banana Ginger Papaya Pineapple Sugar- Turmeric Total % NCA in

Upazila
(ha) (ha) (ha) (ha) cane (ha) (ha) (ha) the region
01 Alikadam 1400 0 300 200 30 0 1930 1.50
02 Bandarb.sadar 560 190 30 160 30 130 1100 0.85
03 Lama 800 300 250 60 60 300 1770 1.36
04 Naikhongch. 1520 - 40 10 40 - 1610 1.25
05 Rowangchhari 730 120 - 555 15 160 1580 1.23
06 Ruma 1910 350 150 1800 20 320 4550 3.53
07 Thanchi 200 450 70 50 20 350 1140 0.89
08 Dighinala 560 520 65 245 85 695 2170 1.68
09 Khagra. sadar 80 340 5 10 80 615 1130 0.88
10 Lakshmichhari 210 370 - 20 50 350 1000 0.78
11 Mohalchhari 350 370 50 110 60 530 1470 1.14
12 Manikchhari - 210 - - 10 260 480 0.38
13 Matiranga - 550 - - 30 980 1560 1.21
14 Panchhari 200 360 30 - - 550 1140 0.89
15 Ramgarh 400 300 10 30 30 500 1270 0.99
16 Baghaichhari - 180 - - 20 300 500 0.39
17 Barkal 1500 170 - - - 250 1920 1.49
18 Belaichhari 1200 250 30 10 10 210 1710 1.33
19 Juraichhari 230 170 15 10 25 200 650 0.50
20 Kaptai 501 250 30 35 24 350 1190 0.92
21 Kawkhali 750 450 - 25 25 570 1820 1.41
22 Langadu 1020 240 40 150 40 130 1620 1.26
23 Nannerchar 755 150 160 1000 15 250 2330 1.81
24 Rajasthali 510 200 30 15 15 150 920 0.72
25 Rangam. sadar 1200 360 - - 25 135 1720 1.34
Total 16586 6850 1305 4495 759 8285 38280 29.73

Cropping in Hill Tracts 175

Table 2. Upazila-wise land use pattern of Chittagong Hill Tracts (area in hectares), 2014-15

Area of Annual
Upazila SCA DCA TCA Other NCA (ha)
upazila crops
01 Alikadam 57800 760 2120 - 70 1930 4880
02 Bandarban sadar 50199 1740 1820 80 110 1100 4850
03 Lama 67184 2750 4660 220 120 1770 9520
04 Naikhongchhari 46361 2000 3840 500 60 1610 8010
05 Rowangchhari 44289 270 750 100 80 1580 2780
06 Ruma 49210 2280 10 - 110 4550 6950
07 Thanchi 102082 2310 170 30 90 1140 3740
08 Diginala 69413 2440 3190 125 95 2170 8020
09 Khagrachhari sadar 11243 1065 2825 150 110 1130 5280
10 Lakshmichhari 22015 1030 1480 - 90 1000 3600
11 Mohalchhari 25132 2780 2400 600 70 1470 7320
12 Manikchhari 16835 1180 2170 210 140 480 4180
13 Matiranga 49589 2550 2010 480 110 1560 6710
14 Panchhari 33411 345 1935 175 95 1140 3690
15 Ramgarh 24087 1750 1950 430 120 1270 5520
16 Baghaichhari 191403 4480 3200 300 120 500 8600
17 Barkal 76100 1500 435 10 105 1920 3970
18 Belaichhari 74593 2410 100 - 90 1710 4310
19 Juraichhari 60600 980 140 40 40 650 1850
20 Kaptai 27336 800 590 150 60 1190 2790
21 Kawkhali 33943 1405 1080 0 65 1820 4370
22 Langadu 52059 1860 890 350 50 1620 4770
23 Nannerchar 38793 2400 2180 - 70 2330 6980
24 Rajasthali 12551 640 900 60 100 920 2620
25 Rangamati sadar 54640 1150 495 - 55 1720 3420
Total - 42875 41340 4010 2225 38280 128730
SCA= Single cropped area, DCA = Double cropped area, TCA =Triple cropped area.

Table 3. Cropping patterns with exclusive rice in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Cropping pattern Area (ha) % of NCA Frequency (no. of upazila)

1 Boro−Fallow−T. Aman 19400 15.07 24
2 Fallow−Fallow−T. Aman 17610 13.68 21
3 Boro−Fallow−Fallow 4950 3.85 11
4 Fallow−Aus−T. Aman 1320 1.03 9
5 Boro−Aus−Fallow 700 0.54 3
6 Boro−Aus−T. Aman 480 0.37 5
Total 44460 34.54

area (TCA) was lesser than SCA and DCA in patterns with exclusive non-rice crop covering
all upazilas. The SCA and DCA were more or 11% of the NCA. Rest of the NCA i.e. about 54%
less similar, 33.29 and 32.10% of the NCA. The area is covered by 46 rice - non rice cropping
area which could not defined under SCA, DCA, patterns (Appendix 1).
TCA was considered as others.
Rice and non-rice crops at a glance
Cropping patterns of Chittagong Hill Tracts Table 3 presents six cropping patterns
In total 72 cropping patterns were observed where rice is the only crop round the year. It
in Chittagong hill tract of which six cropping comprises 34.54% of the NCA in the region.
patterns with exclusive rice crop covers about Among them single rice, double rice and
35% of the NCA. There were 20 cropping triple rice areas represent 17.53%, 16.64% and
176 Quais et al
Table 4. Cropping patterns of non-rice exclusive in Chittagong Hill Tract, 2014-15.

Cropping pattern Area (ha) % of NCA Frequency (no. of upazila)

01 Vegetab−Fallow−Fallow 6310 4.90 17
02 Vegetab−Vegetab−Fallow 4890 3.80 14
03 Groundnut−Fallow−Fallow 480 0.37 8
04 Tobacco−Fallow−Fallow 470 0.37 4
05 Vegetab−Vegetab−Vegetab 450 0.35 2
06 S.Potato−Fallow−Fallow 410 0.32 12
07 Chilli−Fallow−Fallow 170 0.13 6
08 Chilli−Vegetab−Fallow 150 0.12 4
09 Potato−Chilli−Fallow 130 0.10 2
10 Felon−Fallow−Fallow 120 0.09 2
11 W.Melon−Fallow−Fallow 120 0.09 3
12 Maize−Fallow−Fallow 110 0.09 6
13 Mustard−Fallow−Fallow 85 0.07 6
14 Maize−Sesame−Fallow 80 0.06 2
15 Coriander−Fallow−Fallow 75 0.06 6
16-20 Other five patterns (in Table 7) 125 0.10 -
Total 14175 11.01

Table 5. Cropping patterns of pulses and oil-seed crops in Chittagong Hill tract, 2014-15.

Cropping pattern Area (ha) % of NCA Frequency (no. of upazila)

01 Groundnut−Fallow−Fallow 480 0.37 8
02 Felon−Fallow−T. Aman 370 0.29 9
03 Mustard−Fallow−T. Aman 175 0.14 9
04 Felon−Fallow−Fallow 120 0.09 2
05 Mustard−Fallow−Fallow 85 0.07 6
06 Felon−Aus−Fallow 50 0.04 1
07 Pea−Fallow−T. Aman 45 0.03 6
08 Lentil−Fallow−T. Aman 30 0.02 5
09-17 Other nine patterns (in Table 7) 110 0.09 -
Total pulses and oil-seed crops 1465 1.14

0.37%, respectively. It reflects the unparallel comparison it is clear that exclusive rice area is
dominance of rice in the cropping systems in three folds of exclusive non-rice area.
Chittagong Hill Tracts. In case of individual
pattern Boro−Fallow−T. Aman has the highest Pulses and oil-seed crops
coverage (15.07%) and was recorded in 24 There are 17 cropping patterns of pulses and
upazilas out of 25. The second dominant pattern oil-seed crops where sole groundnut is the
single T. Aman area occupied 13.68% of NCA dominating one with 480 ha area (Table 5).
which was distributed over 21 upazilas. Single Felon−Fallow−T. Aman is the second covering
Boro covered 3.85% area with its considerable 370 hectares of land. Total area for pulses and
existence in 11 upazilas.
oil-seed crops were calculated as 1,465 ha,
In the current investigation, 20 cropping
which is only 1.14% of NCA.
patterns were identified that was free from
rice. Among these 20 patterns first 15 have been
arranged in descending order in Table 4. The Vegetables and spices crops
rest five patterns with negligible area (Table 7) Thirty-two cropping patterns have been
where they are arranged with other patterns arranged in descending order according to area
of different categories. Aggregate of the 20 coverage in Table 6. Potato and other vegetables
patterns have had 11.01% of NCA. In critical of Rabi, Kharif-I and Kharif-II; Spices viz chilli,
Cropping in Hill Tracts 177
Table 6. Cropping patterns of vegetables and spices crops in Chittagong Hill Tract, 2014-15.

Cropping pattern Area (ha) % of NCA Frequency (no. of upazila)

01 Vegetab−Fallow−Fallow 6310 4.90 17
02 Vegetab−Fallow−T. Aman 5450 4.23 22
03 Vegetab−Vegetab−Fallow 4890 3.80 14
04 Vegetab−Vegetab−T. Aman 1850 1.44 7
05 Vegetab−Aus−Fallow 910 0.71 6
06 Fallow−Vegetab−T. Aman 520 0.40 5
07 Potato−Fallow−T. Aman 520 0.40 12
08 Vegetab−Vegetab−Vegetab 450 0.35 2
09 Chilli−Fallow−T. Aman 380 0.30 12
10 Potato−Aus−T. Aman 340 0.26 7
11 Garlic−Aus−Fallow 300 0.23 1
12 Onion−Aus−Fallow 300 0.23 1
13 Boro−Vegetab(Float/Norm) 290 0.23 3
14 Potato−Maize−T. Aman 180 0.14 4
15 Chilli−Fallow−Fallow 170 0.13 6
16 Chilli−Vegetab−Fallow 150 0.12 4
17 Potato−Vegetab−T. Aman 140 0.11 2
18 Potato−Aus−Fallow 130 0.10 2
19 Potato−Chilli−Fallow 130 0.10 2
20 Vegetab−Aus−T. Aman 130 0.10 4
21 Chilli−Aus−Fallow 120 0.09 3
22 Chilli−Aus−T. Aman 120 0.09 2
23 Coriander−Fallow−T. Aman 120 0.09 8
24 Coriander−Fallow−Fallow 75 0.06 6
25-32 Other eight patterns (in Table 7) 230 0.18 -
Total 24205 18.80

Table 7. Rare cropping patterns covering non-significant area in Chittagong Hill Tract, 2014-15.

Cropping pattern Area (ha) % of NCA Frequency Upazila

01 Maize−Aus−Fallow 40 0.03 2 Rowangchhari+Longadu
02 Maize−Vegetab−T. Aman 40 0.03 2 Lama+Rajesthali
03 Onion−Fallow−T. Aman 40 0.03 3 Dighinala+Mahalchhari+Naniarchar
04 Chilli−Vegetab−T. Aman 30 0.02 1 Ramgarh
05 Lentil−Fallow−T. Aman 30 0.02 3 Dighinala+Panchhari+Bandarban
06 Maize−Vegetab−Fallow 30 0.02 1 Bandarban sadar
07 Onion−Vegtab−Vegetab 30 0.02 1 Thanchi
08 Garlic−Fallow−Fallow 25 0.02 2 Thanchi+Barkal
09 Lentil−Vegetab−T. Aman 20 0.02 1 Mahalchhari
10 Millet(Kaon)+Sesame−F 20 0.02 1 Rangamati sadar
11 Mungbean−Fallow−T. Aman 20 0.02 3 Bandarban+Dighinala+Khagra
12 Muskmelon−Fallow−Fallow 20 0.02 1 Thanchi
13 Mustard−Aus−T. Aman 20 0.02 1 Mahalchhari
14 Garlic−Fallow−T. Aman 15 0.01 2 Dighinala+Panchhari
15 Grasspea−Fallow−T. Aman 15 0.01 3 Dighinala+Panchhari+Khagra
16 Chickpea−Fallow−T. Aman 10 0.01 2 Bandarban+Naniarchar
17 Fallow−Sesame−T. Aman 10 0.01 1 Matiranga
18 Mustard−Boro−T. Aman 10 0.01 2 Dighinala+Panchhari
19 Boro−Fallow−Blackgram 5 0.00 1 Panchhari
20 Groundnut−Fallow−T. Aman 5 0.00 1 Barkal
21 Mustard−Aus−Fallow 5 0.00 1 Rowangchhari
Total 440 0.34

178 Quais et al
coriander, onion and garlic are included in their magnitude of contribution to the region
this list. Vegetab−Fallow−Fallow is the most was different, ranging 0.45 (Rowangchhari)
dominating pattern covering 6,310 ha (4.90% of to 11.36% (Dighinala and Naikhongchhari)
NCA) distributed over 17 upazilas. The second of the cropping pattern in the region. The
one is Vegetab−Fallow−T. Aman with 5,450 ha major shares from other upazilas were
area, however, it is more widely distributed Matiranga, Mohalchhari, Lama, Bandarban,
over 22 upazilas in the region. The total for Ramgarh and Manikchhari upazilas (Table 9).
vegetables and spices crops is 24,205 ha that In the country-wide data compilation it was
represents 18.80% of NCA. observed that the single T. Aman was the 3rd
dominant cropping pattern in Bangladesh
Sporadic and distinct cropping patterns covering 5.09 lac ha (6% of NCA in the
There are some cropping patterns which are
country) with its distribution in 162 upazilas
extremely location-specific, however, with a
of 36 districts (Nasim et al., 2017).
large area coverage. These are Vegetables−
Vegetables−Vegetables, Garlic−Aus−Fallow
and Onion−Aus−Fallow (Table 6). The Third dominant cropping pattern
Vegetables−Vegetables−Vegetables cropping The third cropping pattern in the Chittagong
pattern is cultivated in Baghaichhari (300 ha) Hill Tracts was zhum cultivation (9.24% of the
and in Kaptai (150 ha) in Rangamati district. NCA), which was distributed to 20 upazilas with
The second and the third one both are available different level of contribution (0.84 to 15.97%).
in Lama upazila of Bandarban district with an The major shares of the cropping pattern
area of 300 ha for each. belong to Ruma followed Belaichhari, Thanchi
and Nannerchar (Table 10). In consideration of
Most dominant cropping pattern individual upazila Ruma upazila has allocated
Boro-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern was highest area and it is 79.17% of its NCA for
the most dominant one in Chittagong Hill this pattern alone. Lama of Bandarban district
Tracts existed in all upazilas except Ruma. The and Lakshmichhari upazila of Khragrachhari
contribution of these upazilas in the existence of district had a negligible area coverage for
the cropping pattern ranged from 0.05 to 10.31% this pattern. Zhum involves clearing of forest
of the total Boro-Fallow- T. Aman cropping following slash and burn method. In February
pattern. The largest area coverage under this the hilly slopes area cleared. Seeds of sesame and
cropping pattern was in Naikhongchhari millet are broadcasted mixing with ash before
(10.31% of the total) followed by Nannerchar, the first shower. Rice, maize and cotton seeds
Dighinala and Khagrachhari sadar upazila. are dibbled later in the month of April after first
The potentiality of the intensification might be shower and vegetables such as cucumber seeds
explored consulting other determinants with are sown in the pit after germination of rice
the stakeholders. The least area coverage was seeds (FAO, 1988).
reported in Barkal, Thanchi and Belaichhari
(Table 8). In the country-wide compilation of Fourth dominant cropping pattern
data it was observed that Boro−F−T. Aman Vegetables-Fallow-Fallow cropping pattern
was the most dominant cropping pattern in was recorded as the fourth one in the region
Bangladesh covering 2.31 million ha (27% of covered 17 upazilas ranging 0.16 to 31.70%
NCA in the country) with its distribution in 426 contribution in the region (Table 11). The
upazilas of 63 districts (Nasim et al., 2017). major contributing upazilas for this cropping
pattern were Baghaichhari (31.70%) followed
Second dominant cropping pattern by Mohalchhari (11.09%) and Kawkhali
Fallow-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern (9.51%). Rowangchhari, Bandarban sadar and
ranked the second position in the region Khagrachhari sadar upazila had a negligible
distributed to 21 out of 25 upazilas. However, area for this pattern.
Cropping in Hill Tracts 179
Table 8. Distribution of most dominant Boro-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Upazila Area (ha) % of upazila NCA % of the pattern in region

01 Naikhongchhari 2000 31.25 10.31
02 Nannerchar 1630 35.05 8.40
03 Dighinala 1500 25.64 7.73
04 Khagrachhari 1500 36.14 7.73
05 Panchchhari 1500 58.82 7.73
06 Matiranga 1300 25.24 6.70
07 Baghaichhari 1300 16.05 6.70
08 Mohalchhari 1270 21.71 6.55
09 Lama 1200 15.48 6.19
10 Bandarban sadar 1000 26.67 5.15
11 Manikchhari 900 24.32 4.64
12 Ramgarh 900 21.18 4.64
13 Alikadam 750 25.42 3.87
14 Lakshmichhari 700 26.92 3.61
15 Kawkhali 600 23.53 3.09
16 Kaptai 300 18.75 1.55
17 Rajasthali 300 17.65 1.55
18 Rangamati sadar 230 13.53 1.19
19 Langadu 200 6.35 1.03
20 Rowangchhari 190 15.83 0.98
21 Juraichhari 60 5.00 0.31
22 Thanchi 30 1.15 0.15
23 Belaichhari 30 1.15 0.15
24 Barkal 10 0.49 0.05
Hill tract 19400 15.07 100.00

Table 9. Distribution of second dominant Fallow-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Upazila Area (ha) % of upazila NCA % of the pattern in region

01 Naikhongchhari 2000 31.25 11.36
02 Dighinala 2000 34.19 11.36
03 Matiranga 1700 33.01 9.65
04 Mohalchhari 1500 25.64 8.52
05 Lama 1300 16.77 7.38
06 Ramgarh 1300 30.59 7.38
07 Manikchhari 1150 31.08 6.53
08 Baghaichhari 1000 12.35 5.68
09 Bandarban sadar 950 25.33 5.39
10 Lakshmichari 800 30.77 4.54
11 Alikadam 700 23.73 3.98
12 Khagrachhari sadar 600 14.46 3.41
13 Kawkhali 600 23.53 3.41
14 Nannerchar 550 11.83 3.12
15 Langadu 450 14.29 2.56
16 Kaptai 320 20.00 1.82
17 Barkal 250 12.20 1.42
18 Rajasthali 140 8.24 0.80
19 Belaichhari 120 4.62 0.68
20 Juraichhari 100 8.33 0.57
21 Rowangchhari 80 6.67 0.45
Hill tract 17610 13.68 100.00

180 Quais et al
Table 10. Distribution of third dominant Fallow-Aus+non-rice (zhum) cropping pattern in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.
Upazila Area (ha) % of upazila NCA % of the pattern in region
01 Ruma 1900 79.17 15.97
02 Belaichhari 1850 71.15 15.55
03 Thanchi 1300 50.00 10.92
04 Nannerchar 950 20.43 7.98
05 Bndarban sadar 600 29.27 5.04
06 Barkal 600 16.00 5.04
07 Mohalchhari 580 9.91 4.87
08 Langadu 550 17.46 4.62
09 Juraichhari 500 41.67 4.20
10 Rajasthali 500 29.41 4.20
11 Rangamati sadar 470 27.65 3.95
12 Kaptai 380 23.75 3.19
13 Khagrachhari 350 8.43 2.94
14 Dighinala 300 11.76 2.52
15 Panchhari 300 5.13 2.52
16 Matiranga 250 4.85 2.10
17 Ramgarh 150 3.53 1.26
18 Kawkhali 140 5.49 1.18
19 Lakshmichhari 130 5.00 1.09
20 Lama 100 1.29 0.84
Hill tract 11900 9.24 100.00

Table 11. Distribution of fourth dominant Vegetables-Fallow-Fallow cropping pattern in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Upazila Area (ha) % of upazila NCA % of the pattern in region

01 Baghaichhari 2000 24.69 31.70
02 Mohalchhari 700 11.97 11.09
03 Kawkhali 600 23.53 9.51
04 Matiranga 580 11.26 9.19
05 Thanchi 540 20.77 8.56
06 Ramgarh 300 7.06 4.75
07 Barkal 300 14.63 4.75
08 Rangamati sadar 250 14.71 3.96
09 Ruma 240 10.00 3.80
10 Lama 200 2.58 3.17
11 Belaichhari 200 7.69 3.17
12 Dighinala 100 1.71 1.58
13 Lakshmichhari 100 3.85 1.58
14 Kaptai 100 6.25 1.58
15 Khagra. sadar 60 1.45 0.95
16 Rowangchhari 30 2.50 0.48
17 Bandarban sadar 10 0.27 0.16
Hill tract 6310 4.90 100.00

Fifth dominant cropping pattern Crop diversity and cropping intensity

Vegetables-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern Number of cropping pattern is a gross indicator
ranked fifth in the region which was reported in of crop diversity. The highest number of
22 upazilas ranged 10 to 680 ha (Table 12). This cropping patterns were recorded in Lama (30)
was majorly in Naikhongchhari, Khagrachhari followed by Dighinala (28), Khagrachari sadar
sadar, Lakshmichhari and Baghaichhari (25), Ruma (24), Panchari (23) and Bandarban
upazilas. Thanchi, Matiranga, Rowangchhari sadar and Matiranga(20). The number of
and Belaichhari had a very negligible area for cropping patterns in Mahalchari, Nannerchar,
this cropping system. Langadu, Barkal and Thanchi were 18, 18, 16,
Cropping in Hill Tracts 181
Table 12. Distribution of fifth dominant Vegetables-Fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern in Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Upazila Area (ha) % of upazila NCA % of the pattern in region

01 Naikhongchhari 680 10.63 12.48
02 Khagrachhari sadar 500 12.05 9.17
03 Lakshmichari 450 17.31 8.26
04 Baghaichhari 400 4.94 7.34
05 Kawkhali 350 13.73 6.42
06 Langadu 350 11.11 6.42
07 Rajasthali 330 19.41 6.06
08 Manikchhari 300 8.11 5.50
09 Bandarban sadar 260 6.93 4.77
10 Barkal 250 12.20 4.59
11 Nannerchar 230 4.95 4.22
12 Mohalchhari 220 3.76 4.04
13 Alikadam 200 6.78 3.67
14 Lama 200 2.58 3.67
15 Ramgarh 200 4.71 3.67
16 Kaptai 200 12.50 3.67
17 Dighinala 120 2.05 2.20
18 Rangamati sadar 100 5.88 1.83
19 Belaichhari 50 1.92 0.92
20 Rowangchhari 30 2.50 0.55
21 Matiranga 20 0.39 0.37
22 Thanchi 10 0.38 0.18
Hill tract 5450 4.23 100.00

15, and 15, respectively. The lowest number of CONCLUSION

cropping patterns(8) was reported in Ruma.
Higher number of cropping pattern is generally The cropping intensity of the Chittagong
Hill Tracts was much lower than the national
related to higher level of diversity indices for
average. About 30% of the NCA was covered
cropping pattern. The upazilas having lower by annual crops mainly with fruits, namely,
number of cropping patterns were related to hill banana, pineapple, and papaya and the
slope, lack of irrigation water and remoteness. spices, ginger and turmeric.Boro-Fallow-T.
Table 13 presents the calculated diversity indices Aman, single T. Aman, zhum cultivation, Rabi
(CDI) for cropping pattern. The overall crop vegetables and Vegetables-Fallow-T. Aman
were the major cropping patterns that covered
diversity index for the region was 0.96. The near about half of the NCA. The large number
highest CDI was in Rowangchhari (0.99) followed of existing absolute rice, combination of rice
by Lama, Kaptai, Langadu and Rangamati sadar and non-rice based cropping patterns and
with same CDI, 0.96 and the lowest CDI was in non-rice-based cropping patterns indicated
Thanchi (0.76). Average CI for the Chittagong higher crops and cropping diversity and have
the potential of biodiversity conservation,
Hill Tracts was 139%. The lowest CI was
and scope for providing food and nutritional
recorded in Ruma (100%) and the highest was in security for the people of the region. The
Manikchhari and Panchhari (164%). Diversified following recommendations were made based
cropping pattern may be resort for the farmer as on the findings of the study.
a coping strategy with flood related risk (Mandal • Rice provisioning in the synonym of food
and Bezbaruah, 2013) but scope of diversification security. Therefore, initiative to be taken
is limited due to environmental and climatic to increase productivity of exclusive rice
condition (FAO, 1988). based cropping pattern.
182 Quais et al
Table 13. Crops and cropping pattern and their diversity indicesin Chittagong Hill Tracts, 2014-15.

Identified cropping No. of Diversity index for Crop diversity

Upazila C.I. (%)
pattern (no.) crop cropping pattern index (CDI)
01 Alikadam 09 07 0.93 0.95 144
02 Bandarb. sadar 22 16 0.89 0.92 142
03 Lama 30 15 0.94 0.96 154
04 Naikhongchhari 10 08 0.86 0.91 161
05 Rowangchhari 24 14 0.99 0.99 135
06 Ruma 08 07 0.92 0.92 100
07 Thanchi 15 15 0.85 0.76 106
08 Dighinala 28 20 0.89 0.92 143
09 Khagra. sadar 25 16 0.89 0.92 160
10 Lakshmichhari 12 09 0.89 0.92 142
11 Mohalchhari 18 13 0.90 0.94 150
12 Manikchhari 13 09 0.85 0.91 164
13 Matiranga 20 13 0.88 0.92 145
14 Panchhari 23 17 0.82 0.87 164
15 Ramgarh 12 08 0.90 0.93 152
16 Baghaichhari 13 10 0.86 0.92 145
17 Barkal 15 11 0.96 0.96 112
18 Belaichhari 09 07 0.81 0.82 102
19 Juraichhari 12 09 0.90 0.91 112
20 Kaptai 09 08 0.95 0.96 133
21 Kawkhali 12 09 0.94 0.94 125
22 Langadu 16 12 0.94 0.96 134
23 Nannerchar 18 16 0.90 0.91 132
24 Rajasthali 09 07 0.93 0.95 140
25 Rangam. sadar 14 11 0.96 0.96 115
Chittagong Hill Tract 72 27 0.94 0.96 139

• Short duration high yielding potential extrapolate potential cropping patterns to

Aus rice varieties in suitable for zhum other upazilas of similar environments.
cultivation along with other species of • Research and development activities can
crops for mixed and relay cropping with be taken in hand to diversify the single and
improved production practices to be double cropped cropping pattern with the
extensively adopted for increasing system inclusion of new crops and crop varieties.
productivity.
• Coordinated programme needs to be taken
• Initiatives to be taken to expand area under to conserve the biodiversity and natural
fruit crops in the hilly slope and the demand resources.
driven varieties to be adopted considering
organic principles.
• The cropping patterns with major area REFERENCES
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Appendix 1. List of cropping patterns in Hill tract, 2014-15

Cropping pattern Area (ha) Cropping pattern Area (ha)

01 Boro−Fallow−T. Aman 19400 27 Onion−Aus−Fallow 300
02 Fallow−Fallow−T. Aman 17610 28 Boro−Vegetab(Float/Norm) 290
03 Fallow−Aus+Non-rice(zhum) 11900 29 Potato−Maize−T. Aman 180
04 Vegetab−Fallow−Fallow 6310 30 Mustard−Fallow−T. Aman 175
05 Vegetab−Fallow−T. Aman 5450 31 Chilli−Fallow−Fallow 170
06 Boro−Fallow−Fallow 4950 32 Chilli−Vegetab−Fallow 150
07 Vegetab−Vegetab−Fallow 4890 33 W.Melon−Aus−T. Aman 150
08 Tobacco−Aus−Fallow 2250 34 Maize−Aus−T. Aman 140
09 Vegetab−Vegetab−T. Aman 1850 35 Potato−Vegetab−T. Aman 140
10 Tobacco−Fallow−T. Aman 1540 36 Potato−Aus−Fallow 130
11 Fallow−Aus−T. Aman 1320 37 Potato−Chilli−Fallow 130
12 Vegetab−Aus−Fallow 910 38 Vegetab−Aus−T. Aman 130
13 Boro−Aus−Fallow 700 39 Chilli−Aus−Fallow 120
14 Fallow−Vegetab−T. Aman 520 40 Chilli−Aus−T. Aman 120
15 Potato−Fallow−T. Aman 520 41 Coriander−Fallow−T. Aman 120
16 Boro−Aus−T. Aman 480 42 Felon−Fallow−Fallow 120
17 Groundnut−Fallow−Fallow 480 43 W.Melon−Fallow−Fallow 120
18 Tobacco−Fallow−Fallow 470 44 Maize−Fallow−Fallow 110
19 Vegetab−Vegetab−Vegetab 450 45 Mustard−Fallow−Fallow 85
20 S.Potato−Fallow−Fallow 410 46 Maize−Sesame−Fallow 80
21 Maize−Fallow−T. Aman 400 47 Coriander−Fallow−Fallow 75
22 Chilli−Fallow−T. Aman 380 48 W.Melon−Fallow−T. Aman 75
23 Felon−Fallow−T. Aman 370 49 Boro−Maize−Fallow 60
24 Potato−Aus−T. Aman 340 50 Felon−Aus−Fallow 50
25 S.Potato−Fallow−T. Aman 320 51 Pea−Fallow−T. Aman 45
26 Garlic−Aus−Fallow 300 52-72 Other 21 patterns (Table 7) 440

184 Quais et al