Analysis of knowledge transferred by agricultural field staff to cotton growers and its impact on rural development: evidence from Pakistan

Cotton is the main cash crop in Pakistan and it contributes 0.8% shares in GDP (Gross domestic product). The area of cotton in Pakistan is increased in recent years but its production is decreasing due to unfavorable climatic conditions. COVID-19 outbreak has also an effect on cotton consumption. From August 2019 to July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced global cotton consumption by 15%. Agricultural extension and advisory activities play an important role in agricultural development and can help to improve the living conditions of farmers. Keeping in view the importance of working in agriculture field staff for cotton, the present study was designed to analyze the quality of knowledge transferred by agriculture field staff. The present study was based on primary data and conducted in the district Muzfargarh becsasue it is one of major cotton producing district of Pujnab, Pakistan. A total of 180 respondents were taken from Tehsil Alipur of Muzfargarh from different union councils through a simple random sampling technique and interviewed through a pretested structured interview schedule. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). About 58% of the respondents identified that extension meetings are good source of information and 37.7% of the respondent said that agricultural field staff visit them on monthly basis. Impact of improved cotton management practices on health rated satisfactory by 52.77% of respondents. Based on findings it is recommended that the government should work with all stakeholders to implement regular training programs for cotton farmers in all areas. Monitoring of agricultural field staff should also be done on regular basis. Modern ways of communications should be implemented in rural areas for the quality of knowledge transfer among cotton growers.

Drastic impacts of COVID-19 on food, agriculture and economy

Global epidemics and illness outbreaks are the huge threats to human prosperity and sustainability. In mankind history, humans have faced many epidemics that have caused millions of deaths and destroyed the global economy, politics, etc. Under the existing era, the globe is facing another pandemic, namely the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Aware of the gravity and severity of the prevailing situation, each country has taken special steps to combat this dinger epidemic, mainly through non-pharmaceutical trails including self-isolation and social distance. Moreover, most countries restrict travel and trade to limit the spread of the coronavirus. By adopting these measures, still the epidemic has greatly pretentious key economic sectors, for instance agriculture, the most significant economic sector that supports human development and food security. The review aims to explore possible drastic impacts of worldwide pandemic (COVID-19) on food and agriculture sector. It is very significant to assess the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the food, agriculture, and economy, because it mainly concerns the sustainability of human existence and the economy. The guidelines and regulations to curb pandemic interfered with the markets supply chain, resulting halt production, distribution, and lack of labor and inputs. This has greatly affected dairy production, poultry, livestock and fisheries. During the pandemic, it was not possible to plant spring crops, such as, open field of vegetables, wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and canola. Therefore, due to the supply chain, the pandemic has serious impacts on food, agriculture, and economy, which the governments need to quickly resolve this issue.