Assessing the Impact of Better Cotton Production Initiatives Taken by Small Farmers in District Tando Allahyar, Sindh, Pakistan within the Context of the Circular Economy

Abstract

Cotton is an important source of income for small farm holders in India and Pakistan. Production of cotton in Pakistan is lesser than potential due to different socio-economic factors, effective decision-making, lack of proper marketing, high insect/pests attack and less use of fertilizer (Abbas, et al 2017). Present study was carried out to study the impact of Better Cotton (BT) production initiatives taken by small farmers in district Tando Allahyar Sindh Pakistan. Results show that the Farmer Field School (FFS) training in cotton is very beneficial for farmers by creating awareness regarding the proper use of pesticides, fertilizers there by increasing cotton yield and reducing farmer’s exposure to use poisonous pesticides which in turn decrease, human and animal health hazards. Results revealed that average revenue per acre was Rs.93800 while the average cost of production was 38635.81 per acre. Average net income per acre stood at Rs.55165.19 for small farmers who adopted better cotton production initiatives in district Tando Allahyar. Government should arrange such training programs at the national level, take actions against distribution and usage of banned and un-registered pesticides and incorporate the same at policy level.