Privatization of Agricultural Extension in Pakistan

Globally, there is a trend towards privatization due to poor performance of public extension services. In Pakistan, Privatization of agricultural extension system was started in 1988. Currently, 320 pesticide companies constitute largely private sector working in the Punjab. The present study was conducted to analyze private extension system in the Punjab. A sample of 408 farmer respondents was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Similarly, a sample of 60 respondents from EFS of a pesticide ompany was also selected randomly. The data were collected through personal interviews and analyzed. The results showed that a diagnostic skill of the EFS was strength of the system. Attributes of the EFS i.e. politeness and good conduct with farmers were also rated as strengths. Group discussion method was rated as strength of the system. However, subject matter coverage, target beneficiaries, extensiona pproach and functions, communication, competencies of EFS of private extension found to be the weakness of the system.

Autorentext

Dr. Shoukat Ali is working as Assistant Professor in Department of Agri. Extension, UAF. He has completed his PhD as HEC nominee. He got Gold Medal, Role of Honor and University Color for his remarkable achievements in UAF. In addition to research papers, several popular articles, he is author/editor of 2 books and one chapter in edited books.