What Drives Farmers to Adopt Hybrid Maize? An Analysis of Farm and Farmers Socioeconomic Characteristics in Punjab, Pakistan

This study is significant as it provides insights into the factors influencing the adoption of hybrid maize, which is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in rural Punjab, Pakistan. Using information from a 400-hybrid maize farmer survey conducted in 2020, the study examined the results with the negative binomial regression model. The findings indicate that characteristics of farms and farmers, including educational level, farming experience, access to credit, interaction with extension agents, and sources of off-farm income, significantly influence the rate of adoption of hybrid maize varieties. Adoption is progressing more rapidly among larger farms, farmers with higher schooling levels, and those with access to credit. In addition, farmers with more farming experience are more likely to adopt hybrid maize earlier. The study also found that access to information and extension services played a critical role in the adoption process. In addition, government policies and regulations, market dynamics, and socio-cultural factors also play important roles in shaping the adoption of hybrid maize. Based on these findings, the study suggests several policy interventions to promote the adoption of hybrid maize in Pakistan, including targeted extension services, subsidies for hybrid seed, and public-private partnerships to improve seed supply chains. These interventions may facilitate the accelerated adoption of hybrid maize in Pakistan, thereby enhancing the agricultural output and ensuring adequate nutrition within Pakistan.