Search

The Government of Pakistan started focusing on the cultivation of olive trees to meet the rising demand for edible oil, save foreign exchange, and improve the farming community's livelihoods. It is a matter of fact that training plays an important role in building the farmer's capacities, raising awareness, and providing them with modern knowledge by enhancing their performance to achieve the ultimate goals. However, farmers struggle to manage the olive crop due to a lack of practical knowledge and training sessions on advanced production techniques. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, it was imminent to assess the awareness level and adoption of olive growers of the Pothwar region of Punjab so that they can contribute effectively to the uplift of agriculture as well as their livelihoods. Pothwar region comprises Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi districts. Three districts (Chakwal, Jhelum, and Attock) were purposively selected due to the maximum number of olive growers. The olive growers' list with a minimum of 50 plants was collected from the Department of Agriculture (Extension). A total sample size of 310 farmers was selected through a purposive sampling procedure by using Morgan and Krejcie table as the total population (Olive growers in the targeted research areas) is 1500. Data were collected through a face to face interviews with the help of an interview schedule. The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and MS. Office software were considered for analysis. According to the results, about 51% of the respondents in the study belonged to old age (above 45) and about 53.2% of the respondents were having matric education. Furthermore, results from correlation analysis showed that education, the number of olive trees and motivation to grow olive trees have a highly positive significant relationship with the level of awareness about olive cultivation practices. The systematic promotion of fortnightly and monthly training of olive growers without any discrepancy should be planned under realistic monitoring and evaluation. Agricultural extension department should arrange the training for different progressive farmers' fields to develop an interest in updating their knowledge and analyzing their problems that will bring positive outcomes in olive production of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive insect pest of various economic crops. This species was first reported in Pakistan during 2019, and is now an emerging threat to Pakistan's Agriculture. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic insecticide Chlorantraniliprole in comparison to different concentrations of single botanical, i.e., neem leaf extract @ (50 ppm and 100 ppm) against FAW larvae in maize. Our findings showed a significant effect (P < 0.001) of these chemicals on the mortality and consumption rate of FAW larvae. Results show that mortality increased in all treatments with time. Recommended dose of chlorantraniliprole (50 ml/100 litre water) insecticide showed 71.0% mortality of FAW on 5th day, which increased up to 82.0% on the 7th day after application of treatments. No significant (P > 0.05) difference in larval mortality was observed for chlorantraniliprole (recommended dose) and neem at 100ppm on the 5th and 7th day after application. Higher concentration (100ppm) of neem showed 59.0% mortality of FAW larvae on 5th and 72.0% on the seventh day of application. Chlorantraniliprole reduced 62.9% food consumption on the 5th day and 71.9% on the 7th day, while 43.5% on the 5th day and 51.6% on the 7th day reduction in food consumption occurred at 100 ppm when compared to the control group. While using 50ppm concentration of neem extract, 20.90% and 27.35% consumption rate was reduced at 5th and 7th day respectively. Our findings suggest chlorantraniliprole as an effective insecticide to control FAW larvae in maize crop; however, neem extract at 100 ppm concentration also performed well against this pest. As botanicals have less harmful to humans and the environment than synthetic insecticides, neem leaf extract can be used in integrated pest management programs of FAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock plays a significant role in promoting the financial status, assuring food security and reducing poverty specifically rural community of developing countries. The present study attempts to analyze the impact of formal credit on milk production of dairy animals and household income in district Vehari of southern Punjab, Pakistan. The study used simple random sampling approach for collecting primary data of 240 livestock household farmers and employed regression analysis model to estimate credit impact on household income and livestock production. An economic technique of log-linear regression model was applied to identify the factors influencing dairy production and estimate household income difference from dairy production due to formal credit from Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL). Estimates of the study indicated that agricultural credit facilitated to enhance household income 23.58%, increases herd size 35.5% and raises the average number of milking animals 39.74%. The elasticity of milking animals (0.72%) and agricultural credit (0.139%) is relatively more comparative to education level (0.113%) and family size (0.076 %). In the scenario of findings of the study, it is suggested that policymakers and concerned institutional authorities focus priority to infusion and easy access of credit in formulating easy credit procedures for specifically subsistence farmers which will help in increasing livestock production, reducing poverty and unemployment in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a very economical and productive horticultural crop extensively cultivated worldwide. It is grown commercially throughout the country and contributes significantly to the economy of Pakistan. Onion is susceptible to many foliar, bulb and root fungal pathogens that badly destroy onion crops, greatly reducing its yield and quality. Fusarium oxysporum is a very common soil-borne fungus that causes basal rot onion and it has the ability to survive in the soil for many years without having a host. Many fungicides are available in the market to control the basal rot of onion which contain hazardous material that continuously destroys the environment and human health. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of desert plant extracts against basal rot of onion in the laboratory, greenhouse and field. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used for in-vitro study and randomized complete block design (RCBD) for greenhouse and field experiments. Three desert plants i.e. Gossypium thurberi, Calotropis procera and Suaeda fruticose were used at 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm concentrations. Maximum basal rot disease reduction (78.6%) was recorded at 150 ppm concentration of wild cotton (G. thurberi) under in-vitro conditions. Whereas, wild cotton also gave the highest disease reduction under greenhouse (62.93%) and field conditions (52.56%) as compared with other two plant extracts and control. It is concluded that aqueous extract of wild cotton gave the best control of onion basal rot under lab, greenhouse and field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafworm Spodoptera litura Fabricius is a highly polyphagous pest of food, forage, vegetable and horticultural crops. This sporadic species is becoming an emerging threat to the potato crop in central Punjab and is being evidenced infesting potato crop in Sargodha, Faisalabad and Okara districts. This in-vitro study assessed the comparative feeding preference, food consumption and utilization rates and larval development of S. litura on different white and red skinned potato cultivars. Feeding bioassays revealed that all parameters including leaf weight loss, larval weight gain, relative food consumption and growth rates and conversion efficiency of the ingested food were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Exotic potato cultivars Diamant, Desiree and Asterix exhibited maximum leaf consumption and larval weight gain (i.e. 264.61, 259.37 and 233.01 mg and 121.46, 120.17, 120.13 mg, respectively) concomitantly with maximum values of relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR) and ingested food conversion efficiency (ECI). Cultivars Lady Rosetta, Cardinal, Ajax, Kuroda and Sante exhibited intermediate values. Minimum feeding preference and susceptibility to S. litura was shown by the native potato cultivars Faisalabad Red and Faisalabad White with minimum food consumption, larval weight gain, RGR, RCR and ECI values, and hence are recommended to indigenous potato growers for commercial cultivation in areas where S. litura threatens potato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical insecticides are an environment-friendly approach and have been used in integrated pest management for various insect pests. Here we tested the effect of emamectin benzoate 1.9% EC alone and with botanicals; Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Moringa oleifera L. on the digestibility indices and survival of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The P. hysterophorus extract at 50 mg concentration was comparable to the alone application of emamectin benzoate in terms of reduced digestibility and survival of S. litura. Overall, 42.7% relative consumption rate (RCR), 74.3% efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), 72.3% efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), 87.5% relative growth rate (RGR), 11.04% approximate digestibility (AD), and 47.6% assimilation rate (AR) were reduced after application of a mixture of emamectin benzoate and P. hysterophorus in comparison to control +ve treatment (untreated). The survival rate was also decreased by using this combination compared to the alone application of insecticide. These findings reflect P. hysterophorus extract's interference with the regulation of feeding and metabolism of S. litura. Further, the results promote P. hysterophorus extract in combination with emamectin benzoate for integrated management of S. litura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over use of synthetic insecticides can disturb ecosystem and non-target organisms particularly the effectiveness of natural insect pest predators. Herein, the effect of insecticides at their sublethal concentrations was assessed on the biological parameters and functional response of Coccinella septempunctata. All insecticides significantly reduced the fecundity, TPOP (total pre-oviposition period), larval weight and increased the life span of C. septempunctata relative to control. Thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin non-significantly reduced the coccinellids larval weight. Type II response was shown by larvae of C. septempunctata in control treatment. Larval coccinellids showed type II functional response after feeding on the brassica aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) treated with thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin, while imidacloprid, profenophos and chlorpyrifos treated aphids altered the functional response of larval coccinellids from type II to III. The change in response was linked to unconsciousness and disorientation induced by the insecticides targeting insect nervous system. Conclusively, none of the insecticides was found safe and all insecticides have had adverse effects on the life parameters of coccinellid beetle C. septempunctata. However, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin did not change the functional response of larval coccinellids; while, these insecticides increased the handling time and decreased the maximum attack rate relative to control. Thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin were considered relatively safe for the larval coccinellids and hence are recommended for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites are destructive pests of agricultural crops, forest and orchard plantations and wooden infrastructures. A wide range of persistent synthetic chemicals are employed to prevent and control the infestations of subterranean termites. Most of these chemicals have high mammalian toxicity and environmental hazards. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of some promising botanical extracts (Dodonaea viscosa, Gardenia jasminoides and Nerium indicum), plant essential oils (Allium sativum, Citrus aurantium and Cymbopogon citratus) and differential-chemistry insecticides (chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, emamectin, indoxacarb, pyriproxyfen and triflumuron) against subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus) attacking sugarcane crop. Setts of sugarcane variety HSF555 were sown on the ridges under RCB design after treating them with 20% botanical extracts, 2.0% essential oils and differential-chemistry insecticides with their field recommended dose rates. Results revealed that as compared to control plots, all treatment plots exhibited reduced bud and shoot damage with maximum bud germination and minimum termite infestation. Maximum bud germination was recorded in chlorantraniliprole (92.99%) and chlorfenapyr (92.03%), followed by C. aurantium (92.84%) and A. sativum (85.78%) as compared to minimum bud germination in control (40.85%). Highest bud and shoot damage was recorded in control (61.92 and 48.15%, respectively), while the lowest was recorded in C. aurantium (16.18 and 15.56%, respectively). Similarly, minimum per sett termite counts was recorded in chlorantraniliprole (16.25) treated plots, followed by chlorfenapyr (22.83), pyriproxyfen (30.04), A. sativum (28.50) and C. aurantium (29.00), while maximum termite infestation was recorded in control (68.50 individuals per sett). In brief, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen among differential-chemistry insecticides and A. sativum, C. aurantium and G. jasminoides among botanicals were the most effective at preventing the upsurge of termite infestation till 90 days of sett sowing, and are recommended to be used as eco-friendly options for controlling subterranean termites in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempted to analyze the impact of farm size on the economic efficiency of cotton farmers in southern Punjab of Pakistan. Farm-level allocative, economic and technical efficiency of samples of 240 small, medium and large-scale cotton farmers was estimated using Stochastic Frontier Approach of district Rahim Yar Khan Punjab, Pakistan. Empirical findings of the study indicated that medium farm size cotton farmers were more allocative, technically and economically efficient (0.90, 0.94, 0.85) rather than small farm farmers (0.79, 0.92, 0.76) and large farm farmers (0.70, 0.97, 0.68). Farmers schooling years, formal credit access, own tubewell availability, adequate extension access and sowing cotton crop timely were significant socioeconomic factors that affect farmers efficiency level. Medium farm size cotton farmers were producing higher cotton yield and earning higher per acre gross profit (Rs. 18142.28) relatively to small (Rs. 15232.94) and large (Rs. 8231.349) farm size cotton farmers. There is a need for significant prolong state-based policy measures for provision of adequate and quality based crop inputs, infusion of advanced mechanisation and regulating market mechanism for consistency in prices of crop inputs and outputs. It is essential to increase managerial competencies among farmers through increasing literacy, sufficient access of extension services, familiarity and infusion of advanced mechanisation and adequate access of formal credit through implementing adequate policy measures by concerned authorities of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper made an econometric investigation of inflation and economic growth in Pakistan for the period 1990-2017. Money supply, imports, exchange rate and budget deficit were the major causes of inflation. Growth in GDP is expected to lead to a reduction in inflation. To combat inflation, unwarranted growth of money supply is checked and the exchange is stabilized. It is less likely that imports are reduced to lessen inflation due to economy needs. It appears difficult that GOP succeeds in curtailing the BD because of the widespread corruption and money-laundering. Human resource development coupled with investment and value-added by both agriculture and industry contributed significantly to economic growth. Should the policy makers attach genuine attention to these factors, it is expected that Pakistan economy will perform reasonably well. Specification and diagnostic tests revealed the appropriateness and soundness of the inflation and economic growth models. Parameters stability was examined for two periods (1991 and 2002). CPI showed stability in both periods but GDP did not demonstrate in the second period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and abundance of edaphic arthropod fauna is usually influenced by different landmanagement practices and land-use types and these edaphic arthropod communities can provide valuable information about the prevailing status of soil quality. The present study was aimed to evaluate the population abundance and diversity of edaphic arthropod groups in different land-use types and categories in different localities of District Sargodha (Punjab, Pakistan). Moreover, the quality status of soils under these land-use types or categories was also determined by working out the soil biological quality (QBS) index. Extensive soil sampling was done in different randomly selected land-use types for four consecutive seasons from spring 2017 to Spring 2018. Results showed that the collection season, land-use categories and land-use types had a significant and differential impact on the diversity and population abundance of major soil arthropod groups. Spring and summer seasons exhibited the maximum diversity and abundance of soil arthropods, while minimum population abundance was found in winter season. The diversity indices and population abundance of arthropods exhibited maximum values for agricultural land-use types followed by orchard and natural land-use types. Moreover, the abundance of most arthropod groups was found correlated with soil organic matter, total organic carbon contents and with pH, bulk density, temperature and moisture contents of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is among the serious insect pests attacking citrus plants in Pakistan. The study was conducted to quantify the leaf area damage of eight citrus cultivars caused by mining activity of CLM during summer 2016. The total leaf area and mine area per leaf were calculated by the image analysis method using Sigma Scan Pro 5.0 software. The results of the present study showed that CLM generated larger mines; 1.64 cm2 on Grapefruit, 1.44 cm2 on Kinnow and 1.40 cm2 on Succari compared to other five cultivars. However, the percent leaf damage due to the feeding of CLM larvae was observed higher 44.2% on Fairchild, 36.5% on seedless Kinnow, 36.3% on Feutrell's early and 35.8% on Kinnow that showed great susceptibility to CLM. Smallest mines generated by CLM larvae were found on China Lemon and Succari showing the lowest damage percentage compared to other cultivars. Conclusively, the C. tangerines and C. mandarins were the most preferred cultivars by CLM larvae for feeding on the leaf surface. The image analysis method was accurate, relatively simple, easy and inexpensive to calculate the leaf area damage caused by CLM larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal biodiversity of braconid parasitoids in citrus orchards of Sargodha, Pakistan. Surveys were done during January 2014 to December 2015 from various citrus growing localities. A total of 3,176 parasitoids belonging to five subfamilies (Alysiinae, Aphidiinae, Braconinae, Microgastrinae and Opiinae), 12 genera and 16 species were collected. Out of them, two genera and 12 species were recorded for the first time from this area. Aphidiinae contains 1,107 individuals which showed that it's a dominant braconid subfamily while Opiinae (209) was the least dominant. The richness of braconid parasitoids in different localities of Sargodha was also investigated. Braconid parasitoid populations were higher in the months of February to April and October to December, while less abundant in the remaining months of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton has major contribution among cash crops in provision of raw material to local textile industry, exporting cotton lint and livelihood of cotton farmers in Pakistan. Potential productivity in agriculture is possible with introduction of advanced mechanization, which is only feasible with financial injections in this sector. The study in hand has focused the role of credit in the cotton production of southern Punjab. Simple Random Sampling technique was used in the study for selecting the respondents in both districts of cotton area. Pre-tested questionnaire was developed for the collection of data 320 cotton farmers' respondents for the year of 2015-16 including 160-credit user and 160 non-credit users. The study employed stochastic production frontiers function for the empirical estimates of credit on cotton production. Empirical estimates of study have denoted, significant and positive coefficient of credit has positive impact on the production of cotton in both districts Rahim Yar Khan and Muzaffargarh. Credit can also play a significant role an increasing overall agriculture growth and particularly the cotton production of cotton areas. The lower mean technical efficiency in both study areas is 0.78 and 0.72 indicates cotton is not produced at potential level due to technical inefficiency of cotton farmers. Policy measures of the study will supportive to extenuating the problems concerning to small farming community in securing farming institutional credit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agrarian economies, agriculture considers a major source of population feeding, employing and coactive partner of industrial growth. The purpose of the study was to analyze technical efficiency of Bt and Non-Bt cotton farmers in two core cotton districts Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan of Punjab, Pakistan. In this study, the stochastic frontier approach was employed for empirical analysis and multiple stages random sampling technique used for data collection of 400 Bt and Non-Bt cotton farmers for the year of 2012-13. The results of the study have indicated Bt cotton farmers of both districts with higher technical efficiency score as more efficient than Non-Bt cotton farmer. Empirical findings specified a cropped area, seed, labor, fertilizer and irrigation were the significant variable of increasing cotton production of Bt farmers while pesticides, irrigation and extension services more significant in increasing the Non-Bt cotton farmers production. Age of farmers, educational status, credit access and agriculture extension services access have significantly and positively impacted while the shortage of irrigation negatively impacts in both districts Non- Bt and Bt cotton farmers technical efficiency. There is need of proper policy measure for overcome market imperfections regarding prices of cotton output and inputs and provision of adequate formal credit to use advance mechanization to increase cultivated area and rising productivity of the cotton crop. Application of adequate advanced technology and familiarity of expertise in farming practices can overcome inefficiencies in both districts with cultivating varieties of Bt and Non-Bt cottonseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites cause considerable damage to a wide number of agricultural crops, tree plantations and wooden infrastructures all over the world including Pakistan. This study was aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of 10 commercial formulations of new-chemistry insecticides against Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae), one of the most economic subterranean termite species in Indo-Pak region. Label-recommended dose rates of insecticides were tested against worker termites using modified filter paper disc method according to completely randomized design. All insecticides caused significant mortality of termites as compared to control treatment. Formulations of chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen exhibited maximum termite mortality, ranging from 31.18±5.67, 28.33±7.03 and 21.67±4.01%, respectively at 3 h post-exposure to 100% at 24 h, followed by triflumuron (81.67±3.07%) and indoxacarb (63.33±5.58%). Moreover, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, pyriproxyfen, emamectin, indoxacarb and triflumuron showed LT50 values of 15.62 h (10.66 – 20.58), 18.48 h (14.72 – 22.93), 27.34 h (22.34 – 33.97), 28.22 h (23.37 – 34.53), 31.91 h (26.68 – 38.90) and 32.82 h (28.03 – 39.11), respectively. On the contrary, spirotetramat, pymetrozine and spinosad were least effective against O. obesus termites. Conclusively, based on the results of this study, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, pyriproxyfen, triflumuron and indoxacarb are recommended to be incorporated in future integrated pest management programs against subterranean termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of formal Agricultural Credit on Agricultural Output (AGGDP). The relationship among agricultural output and agricultural formal credit, cropped area, labor force participating in the agriculture sector, trade openness has been quantified through various econometric approaches in the study. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bound testing approach has been applied to analyze the long run cointegration among variables, obtaining annual time series data from 1973 to 2014. An empirical estimation of ARDL approach has indicated the evidence of long-run cointegration of model. Empirical findings of the study indicate positive (5.178151) and significant relationship between agriculture credit and agricultural output. Labor participating in agriculture has positive (14.98381) yet insignificant relation to agricultural output while trade openness has negative (-39.64926) and significant impact on agricultural output. Similarly, the relationship between cropped area and agriculture output is positive (114.1869) and significant. Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) has employed to explore short-run dynamics of agriculture production. Long run equilibrium stability has reaffirmed the short run empirical estimates. Lengthy formal credit procedure, political and bureaucratic influence and misallocation of credit utilization are major constraints in lowering overall agriculture output. Adequate farmer's friendly policies and proper legislative measures are necessary for the smooth flow of increasing agriculture output and overcoming financial constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the research was to analyze the profitability of different farm sizes of broiler poultryin district Dir Lower. Four tehsils, namely Adinzai, Balambat, Timergara and Sumerbagh were purposively selected during the year 2015. From these tehsils, 92 poultry farms were selected proportionately from total 460 poultry farms and data were collected on structured questionnaire. The sample farms were categorized into three groups i.e. small, medium and large. For analysing the data, profit function and multiple regression model, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t test were used. The average profit of large size farm was Rs. 85228 followed by medium and small farm that were Rs. 58049 and Rs. 36090 respectively. The results of independent sample t-test indicated that there is no significant difference between the profit of the sole proprietors and partnerships. Further results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that at 5% significance level, there was statistically significant difference among different sizes of poultry farms as whole. The highest net benefits were reported from the large scale poultry farms followed by medium and small firms. The results of the multiple regression model for profit shows that profit of a poultry farm is positively affected by education, experience, age of the respondent and farm size while negatively affected by mortality of chicks. All the variables were significant except age of the respondents. Proper vaccination and medication is required to decrease the high mortality rate so that the losses due to mortality can be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]