An Assessment of Determinants Responsible for Low Mango Productivity in District Muzzafargarh, Pakistan

Abstract

Mango which is also known as the king of fruits in the country is the second largest growing fruit after citrus in Pakistan. Although mango is being grown in more than hundred countries none of them is comparable to Pakistani mango which is famous for its unique taste all over the world. Pakistan’s per hectare production is much lower than its potential. The purpose of this study was to assess those factors which are preventing mango growers from getting its potential yield. For this major mango producing area, Muzzaffargarh was selected. The 110 randomly selected farmers were interviewed with a well-designed questionnaire. The mango growers were divided into three categories on the basis of landholding. The Cobb-Douglas model was used to assess the effect of different factors on the productivity. The education level and age of large farmers was found highest among small and medium farmers. Large farmers were enjoying significant high profit per acre with US$519.58 as compared to medium farmers (US$454.15) and small farmers (US$395.10). The independent variables were explaining almost 89 percent variation in productivity of mango. The significant positive effect of orchard experience, access to extension services, the quantity of NPK, quantity of pesticides and labour cost was found. The age and intercropping practices in mango orchard had a significant negative effect on mango production. Credit facilities must be made available at lower interest rate and the range of extension services must be enhanced to increase the productivity of mango.