Some non-price explanatory variables in fertiliser demand: the case of irrigated Pakistan

摘要

This paper deals with an empirical verification of factors determining farm level fertiliser demand in irrigated Pakistan. The results show that education and extension in general have positive influence on fertiliser use per cultivated acre. Fertiliser demand exhibits in inverse relationship with the farm size and distance of fertiliser depot. The contribution of canal alone or tubewell only as a source of irrigation to fertiliser use is less relative to water availability from both these resources. The use of fertiliser per cultivated acre on tenant-operated farms in higher than on the owner and owner-cum-tenant operated farms. The use of farm yard manure is another important fertiliser use enhancing factor. Institutional credit proved to be animportant factor in determining fertiliser use at least in Punjab. These results imply that investment in human capital in rural sector should be given somewhat greater importance. Micro-finance banking should redirect credit emphasis towards small and tenant farmers. The use of farmyard manure should also be encouraged.