Bitter Gourd Production Enhancement through Credit Program of Zari Tarqiati Bank Limited in Rural Areas of District Mardan-Pakistan

Abstract

The major objective was to examine the effects of ZTBL Credit Program on Bitter Gourd production in the study area. The Universe of the study was consisted of three tehsils, namely Mardan, Takhth Bahi and Katlang. All beneficiaries of the ZTBL was 260 while the number of Bitter Gourd growers was 81 among the beneficiaries. Through questionnaire data were collected from the respondents. With the help of descriptive statistics, correlation and sign test were used for data analysis. The results shows disbursed amount Rs.17405000 to beneficiaries of the study area. The average production per hectare after credit was 43620 Kg and before 29645 Kg and the result was found highly significant which explains that credit has positive effects on Bitter Gourd production in the study area. Average annual cost after credit per hectare was found Rs.127499 while before was Rs.66235 .The result was found highly significant at .0 5 level. The result further explains the return of the production before and after credit Rs. 592900 and Rs.654300 and the Benefit Cost Ratio was Rs 5.13, Rs.8.95 respectively. Majority problems such as high costs per hectare; high interest rate: complicated procedure of the bank; non availability of loan in time etc. were observed to farmers in Bitter Gourd production enhancement in the study area. So quick actions by Govt for future policy implications in different section of the economy is requested for filling the gap. Such as as Loan should be provided to farmers according to requirements; interest rate should be decreased in future; quality seed should be provided on low price in the study area for boosting Bitter Gourd production. Proper utilization of the farmer for specific activities are recommended.

Keywords:-Enhancement, Bitter Gourd Production, Through Credit Program, ZTBL, Rural Areas of District Mardan