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

ABSTRACT

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.