Role of public sectors for educating the farmers to produce the quality seed in wheat

Abstract

Quality seed is assumed as one of the basic necessary elements for the successful cultivation of crops. Present study was conducted in Punjab, a province of Pakistan to estimate therole of public sectors for educating farmers to produce the good quality seed in wheat. A well structured and valid interview schedule was used for the data collection.From the interview results it was concluded that the overall satisfaction level of farmers regarding information received from extension field staff (EFS) was not perceived as good and hence it needs dire attention of extension field staff to increase level of satisfaction. Majority of the farmers wereaware about the concept of approved seed.The farmers who purchased seed directly from the seed companies were satisfied but mean value of seed companies is quite apart from the research centers. Retailers and broker were also considered as viable seed sources in rural areas. About 8.3% respondents stated that they often used seed of wheat for cultivation from retailer or broker. Slightly greater than one fourth (27.5%) respondents reported the usage of seed from retailers or brokers occasionally. Most (46.6%) of the respondents indicated that they had rarely utilized seed from retailers or brokers.