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Zinc deficiency is one of the major causes of malnutrition in the communities due to the consumption of zinc-deficient staple food. With accessibility and affordability, biofortification is an agricultural intervention beneficial for all the stakeholders involved as any actor. A total of 16 exotic zinc biofortified maize hybrids developed at different maize research stations of CIMMYT got introduced and evaluated across three separate locations in major maize growing areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), i.e., Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Nowshera. The decision to introduce exotic zincenriched maize germplasm in Pakistan, in collaboration with CIMMYT, Mexico, came from the findings of a related research work--evaluation of diverse indigenous maize germplasm; however, none of the entry qualified for suggested biofortification standard, i.e., 33 mg/kg zinc. Introducing exotic material depends upon its yield stability in the new environment. Therefore, stability analysis is mandatory. Using genotype and genotype into environment (GGE) biplot analysis found the GEI (genotype × environment interaction). Exotic hybrids G16, G4, and G1 performed superior and stable in test environments for studied traits, especially for average grain yield per plant and grain zinc content. These three hybrids gained strong\recommendations for introduction in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality traits play an important role in sugarcane clonal selection programs. The present investigation was carried out to study the association of quality traits with cane yield to establish an appropriate selection strategy based on quality characters. Sixteen sugarcane genotypes comprising two check cultivars were studied at Sugar Crops Research Institute Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations were observed for all the traits with cane yield (t ha-1) except purity %. Similarly brix % and polarized sugar % showed highly significant and positive correlation with sugar recovery % at genotypic (0.66**, 0.74**) and phenotypic (0.67**, 0.79**) levels. Highly significant correlation of brix % with polarized sugar % at genotypic (1.00**) and phenotypic (0.95**) levels were observed. Path analysis showed that highest positive direct effect on cane yield (t ha-1) is exerted by sugar recovery % at genotypic (0.42) and phenotypic (1.94) levels. It is suggested that the quality parameters should be taken in to consideration in clonal selection program for evolving improved sugarcane genotypes. Moreover the genotypes (MS-92-CP-99, MS-2000-Ho-360, MS-2003-HS-274 and MS-91-CP-523) with high cane yield and sugar recovery should be evaluated further [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to assess impact of MFSCs on the farming community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in terms of performances of two subgroups i.e. member and non-member farmers. A quantitative research design has been used with survey as strategy of inquiry conducted from 480 respondents across Swat, Mardan, DI Khan and Abbotabad districts. The study argues theoretically and indicates empirically that member respondents of MFSC were more competitive as compared to non-member farmers. In the same way the member farmers of MFSC were more prudent in terms of farm inputs usage and enjoyed higher yield across a variety of crops. The overall impact of MFSC is satisfactory, albeit room for improvement exists in areas such as by providing good variety seeds, proper fertilizer and effective utilization of combined harvesting machine. The study unveils the need to subsidize rent of agricultural machineries and prices of basic farm inputs through farmer centered policies. Further, the geographical scatterings of the MFSC keep farmers at a disadvantage which can be offset through establishment of sub-MFSC in vicinity of farmers across various districts. The study contributes to a better economic understanding of indigenous farming practices in vogue as used by autonomous and registered-member of MFSCs in local context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of traditional agriculture into knowledge-based agriculture and shift from cereal to high value agriculture predominantly depends on extension work. So far, many extension programs have been launched to close the existing gap. Model farm service center (MFSC) is a public-private partnership program established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan with the aim to promote agricultural activity and bring progressive changes in the farming communities. The main focus of this study is to investigate the impact of MFSCs on farming and evaluate the farmers' activities under this program. This study further compares the knowledge, skills, linkages and available facilities of the members and non-member respondents. For data collection four districts namely Swat, Mardan, Abbottabad and Dera Ismail Khan (D.I Khan) were purposely selected. From each of these four districts 120 respondents i.e. 60 member and 60 non-member farmers were randomly selected for data collection. SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis. Results of the study show that most of the farmers are of about 45 years of age or below and their main source of income is from agriculture. Most of these respondents stay in direct contact with the agriculture office for improving their skills and knowledge regarding agriculture. Results of the study further reveal that agricultural agents regularly visit their areas/farms. Most of the respondents use their own agricultural machinery during farming and cultivate their own or fellow farmer seed instead of buying it from MFSC or other input dealers. It is also found that the yield of member respondent is more than that of nonmember respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Coping strategies among university teachers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The research sample comprised of 222 male and 152 female university teachers. Convenient sampling technique was applied to approach the participants from five Universities of KPK. Teachers completed Self-Report Measure of Emotional Intelligence and Brief Cope Scale (in Urdu). Findings indicated significant relationship between Self Report Measure of Emotional Intelligence and coping strategies among teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]