Abstract
This study examines the farm-level profitability of maize production and identifies the
key determinants of gross revenue among maize producers in Northern Bangladesh.
Using primary data collected from 100 farmers through a multistage sampling technique
during the 2024–2025 production season, the analysis integrates descriptive statistics,
cost–return analysis, and a Cobb–Douglas production function estimated by the ordinary
least squares (OLS) method. The results indicate that maize cultivation is economically
viable, with an average profit of Tk. 14,462.6 per bigha, reflecting strong income potential
for smallholder farmers. The regression findings represent that hired labor, machinery,
seed, and pesticide costs exert statistically significant positive effects on gross revenue,
highlighting the importance of modern inputs and efficient farm management practices.
In contrast, plowing cost shows a negative association with revenue, suggesting
inefficiencies in land preparation, while irrigation, fertilizer, and harvest–transport costs
are found to be statistically insignificant, possibly due to uniform usage patterns or
suboptimal application. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power, accounting
for a substantial proportion of variation in farm revenue. Despite profitability, farmers
face several constraints, including limited access to credit, inadequate extension services,
and high input costs, which hinder optimal resource utilization. Therefore, this study
recommends strengthening institutional support, improving access to quality inputs and
affordable credit, and enhancing extension services to promote sustainable and efficient
maize production in Bangladesh.
