Role of Agricultural Extension Agents in Enhancing Tomato Production in District Peshawar

Abstract

The research study was conducted in three selected villages of district Peshawar in order to investigate the role of Agricultural Extension Agents in enhancing tomato productivity. Three villages namely Nahaqi, Khazana and Mairo were selected for this study on the basis of accessibility and availability of tomato growers. A detailed interview schedule was developed for data collection and after collection of data paired T-test was used for studying the difference of productivity. The results of the study shows that majority of the respondents were among the age group of 31-40 years with 33.75%. Education ratio was high as 72.5% while none educated were 27.5%. The ratio of owner-cum tenant was 32.5% which was the second dominant group. Major problems faced by respondents were insect/pest attack which ratio was 36.25% followed by seed problem which was reported by 27.5% of the respondents. The frequency of Agricultural Extension Agents’ visits to farmers once in month was reported by 46.25% of respondents. However, 37.5% respondents paid visit to Agricultural Extension Office once in a month which is not satisfactory. Eighty percent of the respondents attended trainings. Seventy percent of respondents reported that different methods regarding tomato crop were delivered to the farmers. The increase in production was reported by 68.75% while no change was observed by 23.75%.  The Paired T-test statistics shows that 10.39% increase was there due to the activities of extension agents and department. It is concluded that the role of Agric. Extension Agents was obviously good and can not be neglected, in this study effective role of Agricultural Extension Agent is positively correlated with adoption and production of tomato. Hence on the basis of observed value it was recommended that these activities should be continued and each category farmers should be involved in order to increase their production. These activities should be launched in other parts of the province by Agricultural Extension department.

Keywords: Agriculture, Agric. Extension Agents, Tomato Production and District Peshawar