Can Agricultural Services Providers (Asps) Play Role For Enhancing Wheat Productivity? A Case Study Of District Sargodha

Abstract

Agriculture supports a large proportion of rural people working either as farmers, casual laborers, traders or hire service suppliers. The agricultural services such as land preparation, drill sowing, transportation, harvesting, threshing and credit provision play a vibrant role in farm production. This study attempts to investigate the role of Agricultural Services Providers (ASPs) for increasing the productivity of crops in district Sargodha. The previous literature highly lacks the quantitative assessment of role of ASPs in the growth of agriculture. We used field survey data and the secondary data obtained from government sources. Generalized power production function was used to quantify the impact of agricultural services provided by ASPs to the farmers. Research findings revealed that ASPs have significant impact on wheat productivity. They can significantly improve the agricultural production by providing the quality farm services on judicious prices. Government must focus on strengthening the system of agricultural services provision for the growth and sustainability of agriculture sector. The farmers-ASPs cooperation should be encouraged among the community.