AN INVESTIGATION OF AGRONOMIC CAPABILITIES OF AGRICULTURE OFFICERS: A CASE STUDY FROM KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Keeping in view the role of extension services in uplifting the socio-economic condition of the farming community is very important and crucial. The study was steered to assess the professional capabilities of Agriculture Officers (AOs) working in the Agriculture Extension Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to prioritize the training needs capabilities of the respondents in the study area. All the AOs (79) were interviewed from all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The respondents were interviewed through a validated and pre-tested interview schedule and the outcomes presented in the form of graphs, tables and percentages. To get the desired objectives Linear Regression Model, Standard Deviation (SD), Mean, and Paired Sample t-test were used. Outcomes disclosed that maximum (49.4%) respondents were recorded in the age category of 31-40 years. Educational level of AOs showed that mainstream (79.7%) of the respondents had master qualifications. The results regarding In-Service and Pre -Service Training availed by the AOs showed that majority (81.0%) claimed that they didn’t avail any In-Service training. The possessed mean in agronomic capabilities of AOs was recorded 3.23 against the mean required of 4.56. Based on the mean difference, AOs ranked, Coordination with seed companies, use of fermenter and know-how of advance knowledge of various macro & micro nutrients required for crop production at higher ranks of training needs highlighting a mean difference of -2.02, -1.75 and -1.70 respectively. Similarly, determination of appropriate techniques to reduce cost of production and familiarity with high efficiency irrigation system were ranked at 4rth and 5th order of training needs with a mean difference of -1.69 and -1.62 respectively. The statistical data measured from the regression analysis revealed that age had a positive and statistically significant effect on agronomic capabilities of the AOs. It means that with the increase in age, the ability in agronomic capabilities would increase. So, it is recommended that more in-service training courses need to be conducted that will add skilled manpower to the system. AOs need to be equipped and trained with required technology tools so they can perform their duty efficiently. Moreover, they should spend specified day in the field instead of offices and farmer should know these days for their easy access to solve the farmer problems effectively and efficiently.