An Empirical Analysis of Livestock Activities of the Model Farm Service Center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

This research aimed to determine current situation of livestock activities especially related to extension work and explore the knowledge of farmers and their linkages with government as well private sector for livestock improvement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. A total of 480 respondents from four districts, namely Swat, Mardan, Abbotabad and Dera Ismail Khan were randomly selected for interview purpose. Descriptive statistical techniques along with independent sample t-test and dummy variable regression were used for analysis. It is observed during the study that livestock extension department and private livestock doctors are the key sources where farmers get advice regarding livestock production. Majority of the respondents are quite satisfied regarding the effectiveness of these advices. Results further indicate that farmers visit or contact livestock expert mainly for livestock diseases and artificial insemination. However, some of the respondents report long distance, lack of proper facilities and high charges for not visiting the livestock experts. Majority of the respondents both member and non-member respondents have not attended any training on livestock or related program. Few of the respondents have participated in field days, workshop and seminars regarding livestock program. Moreover, results reveal that cows’ milk yield per day of the member respondents are significantly higher than milk yield of the non-member respondents of the model farm services center. The facilitation of farmers through these centers in term of involving private livestock doctors and the provision of livestock inputs on reasonable rates can boost the prosperity in farming community.