Youth perception and participation in agriculture in district Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

This study aimed at exploring the interest of youth, their participation and those factors which are impeding youth involvement in agriculture. This study was conducted in district Faisalabad of Punjab province. Total 432 respondents (aged between 15-29 years) were sampled from thirty-six villages of the study district. Respondents were interviewed through a face-to-face interview technique on an open-ended interview guide. Responses were analyzed through content analysis techniques. Findings of the study indicate that youth regarded the agriculture sector as non-profitable, hence they do not see them joining the agriculture sector as an occupation unless the government give it due attention. High cost of production, crashed marketing system, absence of farmer-friendly policies, environmental issues and lack of support and incentives for the youth were some issues distressing their interest in agriculture. This study recommends that to enhance the youth participation in agriculture, their socio-economic and cognitive limitations should be addressed on priority. Revoking the youth clubs and cooperatives especially in rural areas could be the viable option for the encouragement of youth. Moreover, the farmers' friendly policies are required to make agriculture a lucrative occupation for the youth.