Farmer's perceptions towards private nurseries and tree plantings in the uplift of rural communities in Rawalpindi circle, Punjab
Farmer's perceptions towards private nurseries and tree plantings in the uplift of rural communities in Rawalpindi circle, Punjab
Mamoona Wali Muhammad1, Syed Ajmal Rahim2, Junaid Mumtaz3 and Syed Akmal Rahim4
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out in Rawalpindi and Attock Divisions of Rawalpindi Circle. The objectives were to identify farmer's perceptions towards private nursery and tree plantings and to determine their role, influencing factors and constraints in the socio economic uplift of the rural communities. A random sampling procedure was adopted to select the five villages per division to collect the relevant data from 50 respondents, according to the pre tested structured questionnaire.
The average household size in the study area was 6 persons with 1-2 earning members per household. 60% were literate including 2% with religious education. The study revealed that 30% of the respondents have agriculture as a sole source of livelihood whereas 70% also have other activities along with agriculture. Majority 94% were landowners with 6% tenants /landless. 54% respondents belonged to middle class (i.e. own pacca house and have less than 10 acres) have sufficient land to plant trees. Forest tree plantations of Eucalyptus species, Poplar and Acacia modesta, etc. were found on 10-12% of land. Majority 68% respondents use farm trees for mix of uses (timber, fuel wood, fodder) with preferred rotation age, expressed by 80% as 6-10 years. Out of total farm tree produce, 30% consumed for domestic fuel, 12% for roofing windows, poles etc. and 58% sold to get cash for family. 92% used standing sale procedure.
The nursery or trees have proved profitable economic activity for them. The 80-84% respondents perceived that the tree planting trend would increase in future. 78% showed their willingness to continue tree growing on their farms. 100% nursery farmers wanted to continue nursery raising business. Forest Department was found effective source of information dissemination as expressed by 86% respondents followed by newspapers, TV and Radio media. Negative perceptions regarding effects of trees planting on agriculture crops is the major hindrance and be removed by conducting on farm relevant scientific research and disseminating the finding to the farmers.
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