This study primarily investigates the profitability of spring maize production in district Kasur ... more This study primarily investigates the profitability of spring maize production in district Kasur of Punjab province, using farm budgeting technique. Keeping in view the growing trend in maize area, data were collected through simple random sampling technique, and administered structured questionnaires to a total of 50 respondents. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and analyzed net farm income of the maize farmers. The socioeconomic indicators reflected that maize growers were found in productive age group (with average age of 41 years) but generally had lower literacy rate with 7 years of schooling, they were quite experienced as spent averagely 17 years in maize cultivation. The costs and returns analysis indicated that spring maize production was a profitable enterprise with an average net return of Rs.19803/acre and a gross ratio of 0.75. A production efficiency index (1.31) per farmer further supported the profitability of enterprise, that is, the returns sufficiently covered the costs of production. As maize being the staple diet and having profitability in the study area needs attention of policy makers for enhancing its area, production and yield. Strengthening the role of government in provision of quality inputs particularly seed and fertilizers as well as working for market integration is recommended for improving spring maize productivity and profitability on commercial lines.
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
Pakistan journal of agriculture, agricultural engineering & veterinary sciences, Dec 20, 2021
Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation ... more Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation among wheat growers in the country in general and in the Punjab province in specific. Ultimate purpose of present study was to determine factors affecting probability of wheat yield being in low, medium or high ordinals given the set of yield changing inputs. Cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 320 wheat growers with 80 respondents from each of four agro-ecological regions of Punjab Province was analyzed through proportional odds model to obtain the study objectives. The study found out some socioeconomic and agro-ecology related variables such as age, tractor ownership, role of income diversification through part-time farming, the contribution of smallholder tenants and owner-cum-tenants and chemical fertilizers that can significantly affect wheat yield categories of low, medium or high. Based on findings, it is imperative to support young innovative farmers having their own farm machinery, generate off-farm/on-farm income generating avenues for part-time farmers, and provide more facilities to smallholder farmers of both tenants as well as ownercum tenant class in enhancing their wheat production of higher level. Moreover, agriculture advisory services should focus more on the cotton-wheat zone accompanied by appropriate use of seed rate, chemical fertilizers, and plant protection measures to enhance wheat yield in Punjab Province.
In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pest... more In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pesticide use and factors affecting pesticide use in bitter gourd production. Stochastic production function frontier was used to determine technical efficiency and on the basis of this, input-oriented environmental efficiency was determined. Determinants of environmental efficiency were explored using OLS method. Results showed that the huge potential existed to reduce the use of environmental contaminating variables without sacrificing yield in bitter gourd production. Farming experience, tenancy, access to information and credit were significantly related with environmental efficiency in bitter gourd production. The findings have important policy recommendation that by strengthening agricultural extension services and capacity building of vegetable growers, higher environmental efficiency can be achieved in vegetable production.
Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Sciences, 2021
Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation ... more Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation among wheat growers in the country in general and in the Punjab province in specific. Ultimate purpose of present study was to determine factors affecting probability of wheat yield being in low, medium or high ordinals given the set of yield changing inputs. Cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 320 wheat growers with 80 respondents from each of four agro-ecological regions of Punjab Province was analyzed through proportional odds model to obtain the study objectives. The study found out some socio-economic and agro-ecology related variables such as age, tractor ownership, role of income diversification through part-time farming, the contribution of smallholder tenants and owner-cum-tenants and chemical fertilizers that can significantly affect wheat yield categories of low, medium or high. Based on findings, it is imperative to support young innovative farmers having th...
Affordable insurance coverage remains a challenge in many economies demanding public-private supp... more Affordable insurance coverage remains a challenge in many economies demanding public-private support to mitigate disaster risks. The private sector can play an important role in creating public awareness to adopt financial protection against these risks. The lack of insurance penetration is common in developing countries and needs a careful innovative initiative in the agricultural sector specifically. Keeping in view the success of flood insurance schemes globally, it may be a viable option to help rural farmers during recurring catastrophic events in Pakistan. Present research study was conducted to evaluate weather-induced risks, farmers' mitigation strategies and determining factors affecting the willingness of the farmers to adopt flood insurance schemes. The study used primary data randomly collected through a field survey from 240 farmers of three disaster-hit districts of Punjab during 2018-19. Binary regression was applied to estimate the results. The results of descriptive statistics show that most farmers (80%) consider floods a major weather-induced threat. At the farm level, money savings, diversified agriculture and keeping a high plinth of the house were among the main strategies to mitigate the risks of flood disasters. Factors like education level, off-farm earnings and involvement of farmers in other mitigation programs had a positive and significant contribution to enhancing willingness to participate in a flood insurance scheme. In contrast, higher land size, farmers relying on credit facilities, more contact with agriculture extension staff, and raised houses/plinth of the house were negatively affecting the adoption of flood insurance schemes. The findings can guide the agricultural policymakers and National Disaster Management Authorities towards improving their efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of floods and enhancing the willingness to adopt crop insurance schemes. These findings and measures can promote private insurance companies to propagate their initiatives for public welfare through the launch of insurance schemes more progressively.
Pakistan is considered as an agricultural country dominated by smallholder farmers. The size of t... more Pakistan is considered as an agricultural country dominated by smallholder farmers. The size of the land, livestock, and labor force have paramount importance for the livelihood of resource-poor farmers. The present study was designed to determine the factors affecting the size of the livestock, i.e., the flock size of large ruminant buffaloes and cows. A cross-sectional data set collected randomly from 150 respondents from three districts of the mixed cropping zone of Central Punjab was used to address the study's objectives. Regression estimates revealed that family labor for attending animals, length of lactation, total healthcare expenditures, small land holding, and the geographic district factors significantly affected the herd size of buffaloes and cows. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the implementation of health care systems is one of the crucial factors in building the herd size, mainly through reducing mortality rates, improving the length of lactatio...
Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide u... more Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide use in cotton production, in addition to dust, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Cotton picking causes various health hazards among cotton pickers with varied health cost. A soil bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated in cotton seed through genetic modification and it has resistance against certain bollworms of cotton. So it is considered that Bt cotton fields have less pesticide exposure compared to non-Bt cotton fields. This study was designed to examine and compare the impacts and health cost of cotton picking among female cotton pickers working in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. Methods: The study used the data collected from Vehari district of Pakistani Punjab. Health hazards and associated health cost of the respondents involved in Bt cotton picking were compared with those who harvested non-Bt cotton. Comparative use of the personal protective measures among those respondents was also examined. Health cost function and its determinants were analyzed using ordinary least square method. Results: Findings of the study showed that 61 % cotton pickers from Bt cotton households reported one or more health effects of pesticide during picking season whereas this percentage for non-Bt cotton households was 66 %. Health impacts included skin problems, headache, cough, flu/fever, eye irritation and sleeplessness, however, percentage of these health impacts was comparatively higher among non-Bt cotton households. Health cost from exposure to pesticide use in cotton was US$ 5.74 and 2.91 per season for non-Bt cotton and Bt cotton households, respectively. Education, picking in Bt cotton fields and preventive measures were significantly related with health cost. Conclusion: Cotton pickers working in Bt cotton fields are found to have less occupational health hazards compared to those working in non-Bt cotton fields. Thus generating awareness among cotton pickers for adopting precautionary measures during harvesting and the use of Bt cotton seed can result in a decline in the ill-effects of cotton picking.
Research Journal of Economics, Business and ICT, 2013
This paper is organized to investigate the specific factors responsible for decrease in the lenti... more This paper is organized to investigate the specific factors responsible for decrease in the lentil area and production, and to evaluate the dis-adoption trend of farming community for lentil sowing in arid zone of Pakistan’s Punjab. The data is collected in April 2013 and 60 farmers were interviewed from Chakwal and Rawalpindi District. The findings of the paper shows wheat as major rabi crop in study area with overall 44.6% operational holding its cultivation, followed by mustard (20percent) and lentil (8.8 percent). The cost estimates showed highest per acre average and total variable cost for wheat (Rs. 29638 and Rs. 32032 respectively) followed by Lentil (20979.88 and Rs. 23378.75 respectively. Average and total variable cost was lowest for mustard Rs. 17234.23/ac and Rs. 19776.88/ac respectively. Average yield attained by respondents was highest for wheat (34.85 maunds/ac) followed by Mustard (15.7 maunds/ac) and lentil (9.82 maunds/ac). The revenue generated was also highest f...
Study was conducted in main turmeric producing pocket of Pakistan to estimate cost of turmeric pr... more Study was conducted in main turmeric producing pocket of Pakistan to estimate cost of turmeric production, assess issues in cultivation and marketing sectors and work out feasibility of establishing turmeric grinding units. For this purpose, primary data with the help of well-structured questionnaires covering cultivation and marketing aspects of turmeric were collected from 50 turmeric farmers. Focused group discussions with 10 processors from local trade market were also arranged in order to supplement the sampled data particularly helping in feasibility analysis of grinding unit. Descriptive statistics, economic analysis and feasibility analysis of turmeric grinding unit were performed. Results indicate that output prices of turmeric remain highly un-stable during the season affecting production and processing to a great extent. Cost of production estimates across small as well large farm categories reflects that cultivation of turmeric despite the seasons’ lowest market prices (...
In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pest... more In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pesticide use and factors affecting pesticide use in bitter gourd production. Stochastic production function frontier was used to determine technical efficiency and on the basis of this, input-oriented environmental efficiency was determined. Determinants of environmental efficiency were explored using OLS method. Results showed that the huge potential existed to reduce the use of environmental contaminating variables without sacrificing yield in bitter gourd production. Farming experience, tenancy, access to information and credit were significantly related with environmental efficiency in bitter gourd production. The findings have important policy recommendation that by strengthening agricultural extension services and capacity building of vegetable growers, higher environmental efficiency can be achieved in vegetable production.
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
Gender involvement in agriculture is becoming more asymmetrical in rural areas due to differences... more Gender involvement in agriculture is becoming more asymmetrical in rural areas due to differences in wages of respective labour resultantly affecting health, wealth and decision making power of women engaged in agriculture. Study, therefore, was planned to investigate status of women engaged in vegetable picking and see constraints faced by them. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze primary data collected during year 2013. Results reveal that average monthly household income and expenditure were Rs. 10770 and Rs. 9291. Average daily earnings of males and females from vegetable picking were Rs. 333 and Rs.156 respectively which clearly shows disparity regarding wage rates. Female respondents were earning income also from other off-season sources in order to support family budget. Majority of female respondents (86%) were aware about harmful health effects of pesticides’ sprays on vegetables but they were still not using appropriate safety measures. They complained about differe...
Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide u... more Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide use in cotton production, in addition to dust, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Cotton picking causes various health hazards among cotton pickers with varied health cost. A soil bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated in cotton seed through genetic modification and it has resistance against certain bollworms of cotton. So it is considered that Bt cotton fields have less pesticide exposure compared to non-Bt cotton fields. This study was designed to examine and compare the impacts and health cost of cotton picking among female cotton pickers working in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. Methods: The study used the data collected from Vehari district of Pakistani Punjab. Health hazards and associated health cost of the respondents involved in Bt cotton picking were compared with those who harvested non-Bt cotton. Comparative use of the personal protective measures among those re...
The present study was designed to analyze comparative economics of hybrid rice and basmati in the... more The present study was designed to analyze comparative economics of hybrid rice and basmati in the core rice growing area of Punjab. Cross-data was collected through well-structured questionnaires from 80 farmers during May and June 2011.Study results reveal that higher yield and less time required for maturity in production were the main reasons for planting of hybrid rice. Hybrid rice occupied 3.6 acres whereas area under basmati was 5.9 acres of the total farm area. Farmers obtained above 60 percent increase in yield of hybrid rice. Results show that cost of production of basmati rice was estimated as Rs.37364 per acre and total revenue was Rs.44768 per acre. The benefit cost ratio of basmati rice was 1.20 and that of hybrid rice was 1.80, implying that hybrid rice has brought comparatively more economic benefits to the farmers as compared to basmati in the study area. Shortage of buyers, much costly poor quality hybrid seed, late payment and higher transportation costs are among ...
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
This study primarily investigates the profitability of spring maize production in district Kasur ... more This study primarily investigates the profitability of spring maize production in district Kasur of Punjab province, using farm budgeting technique. Keeping in view the growing trend in maize area, data were collected through simple random sampling technique, and administered structured questionnaires to a total of 50 respondents. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and analyzed net farm income of the maize farmers. The socioeconomic indicators reflected that maize growers were found in productive age group (with average age of 41 years) but generally had lower literacy rate with 7 years of schooling, they were quite experienced as spent averagely 17 years in maize cultivation. The costs and returns analysis indicated that spring maize production was a profitable enterprise with an average net return of Rs.19803/acre and a gross ratio of 0.75. A production efficiency index (1.31) per farmer further supported the profitability of enterprise, that is, the returns sufficiently covered the costs of production. As maize being the staple diet and having profitability in the study area needs attention of policy makers for enhancing its area, production and yield. Strengthening the role of government in provision of quality inputs particularly seed and fertilizers as well as working for market integration is recommended for improving spring maize productivity and profitability on commercial lines.
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
Pakistan journal of agriculture, agricultural engineering & veterinary sciences, Dec 20, 2021
Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation ... more Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation among wheat growers in the country in general and in the Punjab province in specific. Ultimate purpose of present study was to determine factors affecting probability of wheat yield being in low, medium or high ordinals given the set of yield changing inputs. Cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 320 wheat growers with 80 respondents from each of four agro-ecological regions of Punjab Province was analyzed through proportional odds model to obtain the study objectives. The study found out some socioeconomic and agro-ecology related variables such as age, tractor ownership, role of income diversification through part-time farming, the contribution of smallholder tenants and owner-cum-tenants and chemical fertilizers that can significantly affect wheat yield categories of low, medium or high. Based on findings, it is imperative to support young innovative farmers having their own farm machinery, generate off-farm/on-farm income generating avenues for part-time farmers, and provide more facilities to smallholder farmers of both tenants as well as ownercum tenant class in enhancing their wheat production of higher level. Moreover, agriculture advisory services should focus more on the cotton-wheat zone accompanied by appropriate use of seed rate, chemical fertilizers, and plant protection measures to enhance wheat yield in Punjab Province.
In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pest... more In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pesticide use and factors affecting pesticide use in bitter gourd production. Stochastic production function frontier was used to determine technical efficiency and on the basis of this, input-oriented environmental efficiency was determined. Determinants of environmental efficiency were explored using OLS method. Results showed that the huge potential existed to reduce the use of environmental contaminating variables without sacrificing yield in bitter gourd production. Farming experience, tenancy, access to information and credit were significantly related with environmental efficiency in bitter gourd production. The findings have important policy recommendation that by strengthening agricultural extension services and capacity building of vegetable growers, higher environmental efficiency can be achieved in vegetable production.
Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Sciences, 2021
Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation ... more Many socioeconomic, institutional and biophysical factors are causing high wheat yield variation among wheat growers in the country in general and in the Punjab province in specific. Ultimate purpose of present study was to determine factors affecting probability of wheat yield being in low, medium or high ordinals given the set of yield changing inputs. Cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 320 wheat growers with 80 respondents from each of four agro-ecological regions of Punjab Province was analyzed through proportional odds model to obtain the study objectives. The study found out some socio-economic and agro-ecology related variables such as age, tractor ownership, role of income diversification through part-time farming, the contribution of smallholder tenants and owner-cum-tenants and chemical fertilizers that can significantly affect wheat yield categories of low, medium or high. Based on findings, it is imperative to support young innovative farmers having th...
Affordable insurance coverage remains a challenge in many economies demanding public-private supp... more Affordable insurance coverage remains a challenge in many economies demanding public-private support to mitigate disaster risks. The private sector can play an important role in creating public awareness to adopt financial protection against these risks. The lack of insurance penetration is common in developing countries and needs a careful innovative initiative in the agricultural sector specifically. Keeping in view the success of flood insurance schemes globally, it may be a viable option to help rural farmers during recurring catastrophic events in Pakistan. Present research study was conducted to evaluate weather-induced risks, farmers' mitigation strategies and determining factors affecting the willingness of the farmers to adopt flood insurance schemes. The study used primary data randomly collected through a field survey from 240 farmers of three disaster-hit districts of Punjab during 2018-19. Binary regression was applied to estimate the results. The results of descriptive statistics show that most farmers (80%) consider floods a major weather-induced threat. At the farm level, money savings, diversified agriculture and keeping a high plinth of the house were among the main strategies to mitigate the risks of flood disasters. Factors like education level, off-farm earnings and involvement of farmers in other mitigation programs had a positive and significant contribution to enhancing willingness to participate in a flood insurance scheme. In contrast, higher land size, farmers relying on credit facilities, more contact with agriculture extension staff, and raised houses/plinth of the house were negatively affecting the adoption of flood insurance schemes. The findings can guide the agricultural policymakers and National Disaster Management Authorities towards improving their efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of floods and enhancing the willingness to adopt crop insurance schemes. These findings and measures can promote private insurance companies to propagate their initiatives for public welfare through the launch of insurance schemes more progressively.
Pakistan is considered as an agricultural country dominated by smallholder farmers. The size of t... more Pakistan is considered as an agricultural country dominated by smallholder farmers. The size of the land, livestock, and labor force have paramount importance for the livelihood of resource-poor farmers. The present study was designed to determine the factors affecting the size of the livestock, i.e., the flock size of large ruminant buffaloes and cows. A cross-sectional data set collected randomly from 150 respondents from three districts of the mixed cropping zone of Central Punjab was used to address the study's objectives. Regression estimates revealed that family labor for attending animals, length of lactation, total healthcare expenditures, small land holding, and the geographic district factors significantly affected the herd size of buffaloes and cows. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the implementation of health care systems is one of the crucial factors in building the herd size, mainly through reducing mortality rates, improving the length of lactatio...
Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide u... more Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide use in cotton production, in addition to dust, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Cotton picking causes various health hazards among cotton pickers with varied health cost. A soil bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated in cotton seed through genetic modification and it has resistance against certain bollworms of cotton. So it is considered that Bt cotton fields have less pesticide exposure compared to non-Bt cotton fields. This study was designed to examine and compare the impacts and health cost of cotton picking among female cotton pickers working in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. Methods: The study used the data collected from Vehari district of Pakistani Punjab. Health hazards and associated health cost of the respondents involved in Bt cotton picking were compared with those who harvested non-Bt cotton. Comparative use of the personal protective measures among those respondents was also examined. Health cost function and its determinants were analyzed using ordinary least square method. Results: Findings of the study showed that 61 % cotton pickers from Bt cotton households reported one or more health effects of pesticide during picking season whereas this percentage for non-Bt cotton households was 66 %. Health impacts included skin problems, headache, cough, flu/fever, eye irritation and sleeplessness, however, percentage of these health impacts was comparatively higher among non-Bt cotton households. Health cost from exposure to pesticide use in cotton was US$ 5.74 and 2.91 per season for non-Bt cotton and Bt cotton households, respectively. Education, picking in Bt cotton fields and preventive measures were significantly related with health cost. Conclusion: Cotton pickers working in Bt cotton fields are found to have less occupational health hazards compared to those working in non-Bt cotton fields. Thus generating awareness among cotton pickers for adopting precautionary measures during harvesting and the use of Bt cotton seed can result in a decline in the ill-effects of cotton picking.
Research Journal of Economics, Business and ICT, 2013
This paper is organized to investigate the specific factors responsible for decrease in the lenti... more This paper is organized to investigate the specific factors responsible for decrease in the lentil area and production, and to evaluate the dis-adoption trend of farming community for lentil sowing in arid zone of Pakistan’s Punjab. The data is collected in April 2013 and 60 farmers were interviewed from Chakwal and Rawalpindi District. The findings of the paper shows wheat as major rabi crop in study area with overall 44.6% operational holding its cultivation, followed by mustard (20percent) and lentil (8.8 percent). The cost estimates showed highest per acre average and total variable cost for wheat (Rs. 29638 and Rs. 32032 respectively) followed by Lentil (20979.88 and Rs. 23378.75 respectively. Average and total variable cost was lowest for mustard Rs. 17234.23/ac and Rs. 19776.88/ac respectively. Average yield attained by respondents was highest for wheat (34.85 maunds/ac) followed by Mustard (15.7 maunds/ac) and lentil (9.82 maunds/ac). The revenue generated was also highest f...
Study was conducted in main turmeric producing pocket of Pakistan to estimate cost of turmeric pr... more Study was conducted in main turmeric producing pocket of Pakistan to estimate cost of turmeric production, assess issues in cultivation and marketing sectors and work out feasibility of establishing turmeric grinding units. For this purpose, primary data with the help of well-structured questionnaires covering cultivation and marketing aspects of turmeric were collected from 50 turmeric farmers. Focused group discussions with 10 processors from local trade market were also arranged in order to supplement the sampled data particularly helping in feasibility analysis of grinding unit. Descriptive statistics, economic analysis and feasibility analysis of turmeric grinding unit were performed. Results indicate that output prices of turmeric remain highly un-stable during the season affecting production and processing to a great extent. Cost of production estimates across small as well large farm categories reflects that cultivation of turmeric despite the seasons’ lowest market prices (...
In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pest... more In this research article, we have made an attempt to determine possibility of a reduction in pesticide use and factors affecting pesticide use in bitter gourd production. Stochastic production function frontier was used to determine technical efficiency and on the basis of this, input-oriented environmental efficiency was determined. Determinants of environmental efficiency were explored using OLS method. Results showed that the huge potential existed to reduce the use of environmental contaminating variables without sacrificing yield in bitter gourd production. Farming experience, tenancy, access to information and credit were significantly related with environmental efficiency in bitter gourd production. The findings have important policy recommendation that by strengthening agricultural extension services and capacity building of vegetable growers, higher environmental efficiency can be achieved in vegetable production.
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
Gender involvement in agriculture is becoming more asymmetrical in rural areas due to differences... more Gender involvement in agriculture is becoming more asymmetrical in rural areas due to differences in wages of respective labour resultantly affecting health, wealth and decision making power of women engaged in agriculture. Study, therefore, was planned to investigate status of women engaged in vegetable picking and see constraints faced by them. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze primary data collected during year 2013. Results reveal that average monthly household income and expenditure were Rs. 10770 and Rs. 9291. Average daily earnings of males and females from vegetable picking were Rs. 333 and Rs.156 respectively which clearly shows disparity regarding wage rates. Female respondents were earning income also from other off-season sources in order to support family budget. Majority of female respondents (86%) were aware about harmful health effects of pesticides’ sprays on vegetables but they were still not using appropriate safety measures. They complained about differe...
Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide u... more Background: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide use in cotton production, in addition to dust, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Cotton picking causes various health hazards among cotton pickers with varied health cost. A soil bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated in cotton seed through genetic modification and it has resistance against certain bollworms of cotton. So it is considered that Bt cotton fields have less pesticide exposure compared to non-Bt cotton fields. This study was designed to examine and compare the impacts and health cost of cotton picking among female cotton pickers working in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. Methods: The study used the data collected from Vehari district of Pakistani Punjab. Health hazards and associated health cost of the respondents involved in Bt cotton picking were compared with those who harvested non-Bt cotton. Comparative use of the personal protective measures among those re...
The present study was designed to analyze comparative economics of hybrid rice and basmati in the... more The present study was designed to analyze comparative economics of hybrid rice and basmati in the core rice growing area of Punjab. Cross-data was collected through well-structured questionnaires from 80 farmers during May and June 2011.Study results reveal that higher yield and less time required for maturity in production were the main reasons for planting of hybrid rice. Hybrid rice occupied 3.6 acres whereas area under basmati was 5.9 acres of the total farm area. Farmers obtained above 60 percent increase in yield of hybrid rice. Results show that cost of production of basmati rice was estimated as Rs.37364 per acre and total revenue was Rs.44768 per acre. The benefit cost ratio of basmati rice was 1.20 and that of hybrid rice was 1.80, implying that hybrid rice has brought comparatively more economic benefits to the farmers as compared to basmati in the study area. Shortage of buyers, much costly poor quality hybrid seed, late payment and higher transportation costs are among ...
This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri... more This study uses primary data collected from 70 radish growing farmers selected randomly from peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan. It was found that majority of farmers were not following recommendations of the agriculture department regarding seed rate, fertilizers, and irrigations. Majority of respondents (94.2%) reported the local Meno as the best yielding variety. Imported and 40 day varieties were not popular as only 5.8% farmers were cultivating these varieties in the study area. On the basis of survey data, benefit cost and total factor productivity analyses depict that radish cultivation is a profitable enterprise in the study area. Productivity gap between current and potential yield of radish can be minimized by the adoption of recommended production and marketing practices.
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