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The study was conducted to assess key factors influencing suspected white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) disease and associated shrimp production and economic performance in three contrasting black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) culture technologies promoted by the United States Agency for International Development funded Shrimp Quality Support Project (SQSP) in Bangladesh. A total of 350 traditional, 315 Modified Traditional Technol-ogy1 (MTT1), 36 MTT2 and 88 Closed System Technology (CST) farmers from 10 sub-districts in three districts of Khulna division were surveyed following random sampling at the end of the project. Binomial probit regression analysis revealed that smaller newly constructed ponds (known locally as gher) were less susceptible to WSSV, provided aquatic weeds were controlled using chemicals. Removal of sludge from ghers also had a positive effect, irrespective of technology and location. It was also shown that stocking of screened shrimp postlarvae (PL) does not guarantee protection against WSSV (t = 1.39, P > 0.05). Higher shrimp production was obtained by farmers practicing CST, followed by those operating MTTs and traditional technology respectively. Farmers who adopted CST also gained higher profitability followed by those operating MTT1, MTT2 and traditional technology.

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A study was carried out at four thanas namely, Mymensingh sadar, Muktaghacha, Trishal, and Bhaluka of Mymensingh district to assess impact of BRAC and PDBF sponsored homestead vegetable programme on household income and socio-economic development of rural women. A total of 40 women were involved in vegetable programme as 20 under each BARC and PDBF sponsored households. Purposive sampling technique was followed to select the samples of the study. Vegetable enterprise under both BRAC and PDBF had positive impact on increasing household income. Per household gross margin of vegetable production under BRAC (Tk 1864) was slightly higher than PDBF households (Tk 1745). But per 'Taka' return from vegetable under PDBF households (3.86) was higher than that of BRAC households (3.71). Women's age and education, family land ownership, total number of family members and also number of earning members had significant positive impact on household income. Except marketing, women performed all other activities required for growing vegetables and thus contributed to family income. Vegetable enterprise created an employment for women as they utilized a total of 252 hours year -1 in both PDBF and BRAC households in different activities needed for it. Collection of good seeds and unsatisfactory prices of seeds are the major problems of growing vegetables.