AN ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE PRODUCTION WITH REFERENCE TO EXTENSION SERVICES IN UNION COUNCIL MALAKANDHER-PESHAWAR

Keeping in view the importance of sugarcane in Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Pakistan the present study was initiated in December 2008. The study was based on primary as well as secondary data. The universe of study consisted of Union Council Malakandher of District Peshawar, Pakistan. Total sample size was 80 for this study. Majority of the respondents i.e. 91% consisted of small size of landholding and poor finical resources, 90% of sample respondents were illiterate and used traditional method of cultivation. Extension services were criticized and their role in adoption and diffusion technology was negligible. Area under sugarcane cultivation was decreased in the study area, and yield of sugarcane decreased by 31% during the last five years. The main factors responsible for low sugarcane production were poor finical condition of the farmers, lack of technical know how, unavailability and high prices of chemical fertilizers and high yielding varieties in local market, and in-efficient and in-effective role of extension staff. Small farmers should be encouraged to invest in agriculture, through the provision of soft loans and technical assistance.