Determination of Linkages among Citrus Growers and Agricultural Extension Workers: Evidence in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This current study aimed to determine and improve the adaptation level of citrus farmers by finding the extent of linkage between farmers and extension workers. The main objectives were the identification of specific knowledge deficiency areas of farmers regarding citrus crop; constraints faced by citrus growers and differentiate the adaptation level of adopters and non-adopters. Primary data were collected from 400 citrus growers through well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire from four districts of Punjab province of Pakistan i.e. Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Bhakkar and Layyah. Out of the total 400 targeted citrus growers, 60 were adopters while 360 were non-adopters (randomly selected farmers). The stratified random sampling technique was used for data collection. Twenty-five extension agents were interviewed from each district thus making a total of 100 extension workers from four districts in the study area. The knowledge deficient areas of farmers and lack of adaptation of recommendations as inquired from citrus growers and extension agents were divided into nine categories ranging from land preparation to post-harvest operations. The factor analysis was used to identify the constraints faced by the citrus growers. The extension agents were of the view that the farmer’s adaptation found to be high. The detailed analysis revealed that adopters were aware of pest, nursery and plant/cultural management while they had poor knowledge of processing/ packaging, land preparation and soil and irrigation management. The non-adopters were lacking in processing/packaging, land preparation and soil management, irrigation and harvesting management. However, they had good knowledge of pest, nursery and plant/cultural management. It is recommended that government should fill the vacant posts to increase the extension workers to farmers’ ratio. The In-Service training of the extension workers must be conducted regularly to refresh their knowledge and capacity building so that the latest techniques may be disseminated to the farmers to increase the profitability of citrus. Study recommended that farmers must be provided latest information regarding post-harvest operations other than only production practices.