Files
Abstract
The study examines the trend, annual and seasonal variability and relative profitability of spices in Bangladesh. All spices except turmeric and ginger show negative growth rates in production since independence. Production growth trend of all spices was lower compared with other food crops but it was reverse in case of nominal price trend. Real price remained more or less same during the study period. Production as well as price fluctuation were higher for onion and garlic and lower for ginger and turmeric. Price fluctuation is directly related to the production fluctuation. Seasonality mostly depends on the perishability of the product and seasonal price variation of spices decreased in the recent years. All the selected spices except coriander are more profitable compared with their competing crops except potato and lentil. On average, 82% of production, were sold during harvesting period.