INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURE EXTENSION SERVICES AND FARMER’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON ADOPTION OF DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera L.) IN DISTRICT DERA ISMAIL KHAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study was conducted in the major date producing areas (Dakki, Mian Wada, Mathra Abad, Jhok Ghamy Wali, Habib Abad, Bilot Sharif, Himat, Jhok Moazam, Matwala Shah, Chura and Jhok Malkanri) of the district Dera Ismail Khan, by personal interview method from a sample of 51 respondents selected from these areas for quantitative data collection. Most of the respondents have a secondary and higher secondary level of education (39.2%, 33.3%) respectively. 51% respondents has more than 200 kanals land. It was also found that this category (having more than 200 kanals) have higher secondary level of education. Majority of the respondents have no other source of income (74.5%). The grower’s percentage increased gradually and at present 37.2% respondents were attached with date palm cultivation since last 5-10 years whereas 27% were growing date palm from last 20 years. 84% respondents cultivate the “Dakki” cultivar which is one of the most profitable date cultivar but majority of the respondents (74%) got knowledge about enhanced varieties from their fellow farmers and only 22% respondents were educated by extension workers. 77.3% respondents were facing the problems of insect/pest attack but only 54.9% of the selected respondents apply the plant protection measures.  Although, all the farmers were satisfied from their date palm production, still 41.5% were expecting to get help from extension department about insects/pest and rodent control while 17% respondents expect others type of help from extension department (inputs).

Key words:            Date palm, extension services, socio-economic characters, personal interview.