Authors:Rana, M.P; Sohel, M.S.I; Chowdhury, M.S.H; Akhter, S; Koike, M
Abstract:An exploratory survey was conducted to assess the regional trade pattern, economic profitability and marketing system of rattan-based enterprises in North-eastern region of Bangladesh. A multistage random sampling was adopted to carry out the study. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small. Most of the entrepreneurs (36.67%) are in the age class (30-40) years and (40-50) years respectively. In small category, the lowest entrepreneurs (3.33%) are found graduate which is about 13.33 per cent in large enterprises. Most of the enterprises are in the small category (46.67%) and 60 per cent labours are skilled, whereas only 40 per cent are unskilled. About 14 articles of 23 different sizes were identified made from cane, which are sofa (45 ◊ 45 cm, 50 ◊ 50 cm and 55 ◊ 55 cm), dinning set (4 chairs. 1table, and 6 chairs and 1 table), bed (1 ◊ 2 m, 1.3 ◊ 2.3 m and 1.5 ◊ 2.3 m), chair (45 ◊ 45 cm and 50 ◊50 cm), rocking chair (large, medium and small size), dolna (hanging and running), partition, flower vessel holder, mirror holder, handicrafts, mora, table lamp, walking stick, and tea table. In the large category, chair (45 x 45 cm) was produced highest in number while in medium and small categories, chair (50 ◊ 50 cm) and handicrafts were produced highest in number. In all the three categories of enterprises, bed (1.5 ◊ 2.3 m) was produced in lowest number. The total net benefit (Tk 185659) and benefit cost ratio (1:18) was the highest for large rattan enterprises. Among the three categories, the large enterprises are more profitable than the others.
Keywords:canes and rattans; cost benefit analysis; economic analy