Analyzing farmers’ preferences for traditional and model cattle markets in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Livestock is an important segment of agricultural economy of Pakistan. Sensing the increasing importance of livestock in national economy, Govt. of Punjab introduced market intervention in the form of model cattle markets to enhance bargaining power of farmers. This paper attempts to analyze farmers’ preferences for traditional and model livestock markets in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A sample of 100 farmers, having experience of trading in model and traditional markets, was selected purposively from Sheikhupura model cattle market. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used to analyse data. Findings of the study showed that majority of the farmers were satisfied with facilities in the model cattle market as compared to traditional livestock market. Coefficients of estimated model reveal that education of the farmers, farming experience, land holding, distance of farmers from model cattle market, number of visits of extension workers, and perceptions of farmers about prices in model cattle markets were found significant variables whereas total number of animals and perceptions of farmers about facilities in the market showed insignificant effect. Highest odd ratios were found for the variable of farmers’ perceptions about good prices in model market followed by variables of land holding and total number of animals. It is concluded that role of cattle market management companies will be crucial for success of this new market model. The study suggests improving education level of farmers and activation of extension system to motivate and convince farmers to take their animals in model cattle markets.