Beyond the pesticides: analysing the role of farm advisory services towards eco-friendly farming to reduce pesticide use in Pakistan

Pesticides are considered essential agricultural input but are used excessively, neglecting environmental and human health concerns. This study examines how the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices can effectively reduce reliance on pesticides. Using Tobit and Probit models on a dataset of 484 mango farmers, the study analyses the role of farm advisory systems in Pakistan. The results reveal that farmers receiving public and private extension services are more or less likely to adopt eco-friendly farming practices, respectively. Farmers who adopted eco-friendly methods applied fewer pesticide applications than those were solely dependent on pesticides. Farmers who borrowed agricultural inputs from input dealers or suppliers were solely dependent on pesticides and less likely to adopt eco-friendly practices. The findings also show that farmers who adopted eco-friendly practices, reduced the pesticide use, experienced lower infestation losses and improved farm well-being. The study suggests that policymakers should regulate private extension services to prioritize the dissemination of eco-friendly practices and promote sustainable agricultural practices, rather than focusing solely on pesticide use.