The Role of Punjab Agricultural Extension Services in Promoting Cotton Cultivation: Case Study

Abstract

This study was conducted in the arid region of Multan, Punjab – Pakistan to assess the benefits of the PAEWP strategies adopted by the local farmers for growing cotton crop. A total of 478 respondents from three different groups i.e. (79 PAEWP Lead farmers, 299 PAEWP Learning farmers, and 100 Non-PAEWP farmers) having total land of 310.25 hectares, 928.5, and 239.21 hectares respectively were studied through a survey. The results revealed that the PAEWP lead farmers were having decent yield with less investment and more net returns followed by PAEWP learning farmers. From the statistical analysis, it has been observed that PAEWP learning farmers applied 5.66% more irrigation water, 6.2% more DAP, 5.4% more Urea, overall 4.89% to 8.30% more pesticides as compared to the PAEWP lead farmers. Likewise, seed production was 4.62% more for PAEWP lead farmers as compared to PAEWP learning farmers. Similarly, PAEWP learning farmers spend 6.34% more money to grow cotton and achieve 13.50% less profit as compared to the PAEWP lead farmers. However, non-PAEWP farmers are having fewer yields and more investment in all scenarios respectively.