Self-Sufficiency Strategies of Extension Workers to Protect Citrus Fruits from Fruit Flies in Bati Kot District, Nangarhar-Afghanistan

Fruit flies are a severe pest for citrus fruits, attracted to the scent of citrus and often carrying bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, from one location to another. Salmonella, for example, affects about 40,000 people annually in the USA through contaminated food. While some species of fruit flies can damage citrus fruits, others play a role as pollinators. This study aimed to analyze self-sufficiency strategies extension workers use to protect citrus (sweet orange) from fruit flies in Nangarhar. One hundred twenty respondents from District Bati Kot were selected from a population of 200 using a pre-tested interview schedule. Results indicated that 32% of the growers were aged 40-50, and 55% were illiterate. Among the growers, 33% sought help from the extension department for pest and disease issues, while 17% contacted it for weed control. Only a limited number of growers installed traps in April, and 32% knew which months fruit flies were most active, with 74% identifying June and 26% indicating May. Half the growers used pesticides, while 22% disposed of infected fruits through burial, followed by pheromone traps and cultural practices. A majority (86.5%) were aware of improved citrus varieties, and extension workers were the primary information source for 41% of the respondents. A highly significant association was observed between the average citrus yield and the skills of extension workers in protective measures, as well as between the growers' ages and average yield. The study recommends that extension workers make regular orchard visits to educate citrus producers on fruit fly control, such as mixing a quarter cup of apple cider or white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. This mixture, which attracts fruit flies and then drowns them by breaking the vinegar's surface tension, is an affordable and effective method. Additionally, extension workers should receive training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other control measures to improve the socio-economic conditions and promote self-sufficiency in sweet orange production.