Communication gap and training needs of Pakistan's agricultural extension agents in horticulture

Agricultural Extension is very important and modern technology can not be sent to the end users until and unless well qualified and trained Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) take this responsibility and pin point those areas which needs special attention. AEOs are key stakeholders and play crucial role in the extension services, particularly in rural development and agriculture. They play an important developmental role by imparting and disseminating knowledge and education particularly to farmers regarding modern production technology. This study based on self assessment of the competency of AEOs in horticulture, was conducted in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Pakistan, which is famous for fruits and vegetables. Data was collected from all the AEOs through a mailed questionnaire. It is found that there are differences between the existing and expected technical competencies in horticulture. The study reveals that there are significant differences in the technical competencies of the agricultural officials based on by their attendance in training programs provided as well as specialization. Since productivity in many horticulture products has been declining during the past two decades, the need for training and imparting specialized scientific and technical education to extension officers is a dire need. Web diagram shows that AEOs urgently need in-service training to enhance their knowledge regarding horticulture. The horticulture is chosen keeping in view its economic and nutritional value and acute shortage of fruits. Moreover, the secondary data also support this fact (as indicated by statistics that per hectare availability is less than 144kgs (GOP 2008-09). The problem is further complicated due to ever increasing population growth in the country. As a result only 10% of the total population can afford to buy fruits in Pakistan It is further recommended that effective measures should be initiated in order to lessen the communication gap between the possessed and the required level of technical competencies.