An economic assessment of model farm services center in terms on farmers’ performance

Abstract

The study aims to assess impact of MFSCs on the farming community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in terms of performances of two subgroups i.e. member and non-member farmers. A quantitative research design has been used with survey as strategy of inquiry conducted from 480 respondents across Swat, Mardan, DI Khan and Abbotabad districts. The study argues theoretically and indicates empirically that member respondents of MFSC were more competitive as compared to non-member farmers. In the same way the member farmers of MFSC were more prudent in terms of farm inputs usage and enjoyed higher yield across a variety of crops. The overall impact of MFSC is satisfactory, albeit room for improvement exists in areas such as by providing good variety seeds, proper fertilizer and effective utilization of combined harvesting machine. The study unveils the need to subsidize rent of agricultural machineries and prices of basic farm inputs through farmer centered policies. Further, the geographical scatterings of the MFSC keep farmers at a disadvantage which can be offset through establishment of sub-MFSC in vicinity of farmers across various districts. The study contributes to a better economic understanding of indigenous farming practices in vogue as used by autonomous and registered-member of MFSCs in local context.