ROLE OF VARIOUS FACTORS IN SUGARCANE PRODUCTION IN SELECTED AREA OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

摘要

This study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Extension, Education and Communication, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during the year 2015 to identify the main factors affecting sugarcane productivity. Two districts i.e. Mardan and Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were selected for this research study. Moreover, a multi-stage sampling technique was applied for selection of the samples. Some 336 sugarcane growers were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data were collected from these growers by a well-designed and pre-tested interview schedule. Results of study confirmed that educated, young, large size land-holders (6.88 to 8.50 ha) and share cropper growers recorded maximum average yields of 110, 69.07, 124.24 and 93.80 tons per hectare of sugarcane. Moreover, a few growers (cultivated area 6.88 -8.50 ha) achieved average yield upto 124.24 tons per hectare. Certainly, these growers have appropriate knowledge about productivity factors. Further, silt loam soil and fallow sowing method (mono-cropping) was associated with improved sugarcane productivity. The silt loam soil and fallow sowing method growers got maximum average yields of 75.52 and 83.17 tons per hectare. Similarly, the growers who had knowledge about the benefits of engaging with agricultural extension department and agricultural extension agents achieved average yields of 88.39 and 74.21 tons per hectare. In addition, the sugarcane growers who planted more productive varieties i.e. CPF 246, NCO 310, SPF 213, Mardan 93 and CP 77/400 obtained average yields of 112.18, 107.89, 85.00, 71.00 and 70.97 tons per hectare, respectively. It was concluded that educated growers were aware of suitable cultivating techniques, appropriate management, proper and timely inputs application and other required information.