EFFECT OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION ON MAIZE FARMING IN PAKISTAN
Abstract
Background: Maize is the third biggest produce in Pakistan. However, the majority of maize smallholder farmers, who account for over 75 % of national production, have limited participation in the access and use of maize technologies; which are important pre-requisites in increasing maize yields. Furthermore, many smallholders also have limited access to supportive services such as credit, technical and market information. It is also noteworthy that many smallholders are alienated from crucial stakeholders along the maize value chain.
Research Methodology: The study was conducted on two sites, namely Punjab and Khyber Pakhton Khan (KPK) which together make up close to 97% of all the maize produced in Pakistan. Through a combination of random and purposive sampling, 147 households were sampled in total. The research design used followed a descriptive research design. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires consisting of closed questions. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. Linear regression and correlation analysis was performed in order to answer the research questions and meet the research objectives.
Findings: The findings indicate that agricultural innovation is responsible for 21.3% (R2=.213) of total change in Maize farming. An F statistic of 40.321 and reported p value of 0.000<0.05 implies that agricultural innovation is a significant predictor of maize farming production. The results further indicate that agricultural innovation had a positive and significant effect on maize farming (β=.328, P <.000). This implied that an increase in agricultural innovation by one unit would lead to increase in growth of maize farming by 0.328 units.
Recommendations: The study recommends that maize farmers should strengthen aspects relating to agricultural innovation including introduction of new products, implementation of improved farming processes and use of technology in their farming, harvesting, storage and marketing.
Keywords: Agricultural Innovation, Maize Farming, Technology
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