COMPLETION REPORT
Role of Japan in Socio-Economic Development of Bangladesh through Agricultural Mechanization
Dr. MD. Rostom Ali
Associate Professor
Department of Farm Power and Machinery
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Subject of Research Project: Role of Japan in Socio-economic Development of Bangladesh through AgriculturalMechanization
In the study availability of Japan made agricultural machineries and spare parts in Bangladesh was assessed. A survey wasconducted at the manufacturing workshops, importers/traders, retailers and farmers levels through pre-test questionnaire. Four
district towns namely Mymensingh, Bogra, Jessore and Dhaka of Bangladesh were considered as study areas. Survey was also
assessed to diffusion of agricultural machinery on income distribution and changes of rural livelihoods. The data from thesurvey confirms that Japanese Agricultural Machinery industry has played key role at the beginning (1960s) of agricultural
mechanization in Bangladesh. In 1960, first prototype pedal thresher was brought from Japan. During 1960 to 1988, significant
number of two wheels tractors (power tiller) was imported from Japan. Before liberalization, BADC used to import more
durable, but higher cost engines/machines from Japan. Even after heavy subsidies until the late 1980s the price of machines wasvery high. At that time cheaper machines were restricted because of standards and quality issues.
Farmers need high investment to purchase Japan made farm machinery. Although durability of Japan made farm machinery ishigh but price is generally 2-3 times higher than Asian other countries. Due to the low price of other than Japan mademachinery, farmers always choose low price machines and spare parts. They know that durability of other than Japan mademachinery and spare parts is low. They do not have ability to purchase Japan made machinery. Due to the demand of farmmachinery with low price, some of the traders/suppliers also focus low price farm machinery in the market of Bangladesh. On
the other hand some manufacturing organizations in Bangladesh are currently using Japan made spare parts only for developing
domestic farm machinery in their manufacturing workshop.
Men and women equally liked the many farm machineries as these have provided a good number of benefits tothem such as, decreased working hours and drudgery; increased income as grain quality improved and grain
losses decreased. Farmers are free from stomach ache as they are consuming quality grain today due to timely
performed post harvest activities with the help of different farm machineries. This is a clear example howmechanization has improved the livelihood of rural. Due to the utilization of farm machinery, farmers use theirworking hour to other purposes and it generates additional income as well.
Following points should be considered for sustainable utilization of Japan made more durable farm machinery and spare partsin Bangladesh:i. Government of Bangladesh should provide subsidies to purchase/import Japan made machinery and spare parts inBangladesh
ii. Government of Bangladesh should eliminate taxes to import Japan made machinery and spare partsiii. Without test and standardize certification, no machinery should be used in the field of Bangladesh
iv. Farm machinery marketing companies should provide after sale service for a significant period for sustainable utilization offarm machinery
v. Government of Japan should focus farm machinery and spare parts market in Bangladesh
vi. Government of Bangladesh should provide suitable business environment for Japanese farm machinery industries.

Publication of the Results of Research Project:
Verbal Presentation (Date, Venue, Name of Conference, Title of Presentation, Presenter, etc.)
July, 5th, 2016, Research Progress presentation, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh
Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.
Role of Japan in Agricultural Mechanization of Bangladesh
Md. Rostom Ali
Thesis (Name of Journal and its Date, Title and Author of Thesis, etc.)
N/A

Book (Publisher and Date of the Book, Title and Author of the Book, etc.)
N/A