PJB-2025-150
ASSESSING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES REGARDING ADOPTION OF ICT TOOLS IN IMPROVING MAIZE PRODUCTION IN DISTRICT SWABI
Hizar Hayat
Abstract
Pakistan has made significant progress in adopting modern and innovative farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity. Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in promoting these innovative and modern farming techniques. The integration of ICTs has emerged as a vital tool for improving maize production. This study was executed for assessing the effectiveness of agricultural extension services regarding adoption of ICT tools in enhancement of maize production of district Swabi focused on analyzing extension field staff role in adoption of information communication technology tools and challenges faced by farming community in adoption of ICT tools. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 130 maize growers from a population of 651 farmers in district Swabi, tehsil Razzar. Data were gathered through structured interview schedule and analyzed by using SPSS version 27.0. The results revealed that the majority (36.9%) of respondents were in the age group of 38-50 years, while 39.2% were literate. Farm ownership stood at 47.4%, while only 26.1% were tenants. Maize was the major Kharif crop cultivated by 60.8% of respondents, with 42.3% acquired maize seeds from MFSC. The extension field staff visits were reported by 64.6% of respondents. The adoption of ICT tools was evident, as majority (66.2%) of respondents received training from extension services, 59.2% of respondents reported that extension field staff were knowledgeable and had command over ICT tools-based agricultural practices. Majority (63.1%) of respondents reported that ICT tools adoption has improved their maize production. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between literacy status and ICT tools training. Additionally, ICT tools usage showed significant associations with respondents' age, tenancy status, and effect on farmers' income and livelihoods. Paired sampled t-test demonstrated a statistically significant increase in maize yields after the adoption of ICT tools. The study identified major constraints including limited access to credit (76.9%), Inadequate market information (69.2%), pest and disease infestations (73.1%) and lack of technical agricultural knowledge (76.9%). The study concluded need for targeted strategies to enhance ICT tools adoption, improve extension outreach, and address major production constraints. The study recommends expanding ICT training initiatives, particularly for farmers with low literacy levels, strengthening access to financial support and agricultural inputs, and enhancing the capacity of extension field staff to effectively promote ICT tools-based farming practices.
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