SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF FODDER PRODUCTION IN URBAN AND PERI-URBAN AREAS OF FAISALABAD

Fodder production and livestock farming are major farming activities in peri-urban areas of Faisalabad. A baseline survey was conducted to study socio-economic aspects and farming practices of the fodder growing areas in 2010-11. A total of 109 households, selected by snowball method, were interviewed based on a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that all households were headed by male and most of them (53%) had only completed primary education or even less. Agriculture was the predominant occupation as 89% of the households rely on it for income. Average income per household was US$ 550 per month with great variability. Berseem, maize and sorghum were identified as major commercial crops of the area grown by around 90% of the respondents. Most of the farmers (86%) rely on integrated fertilizer use (combination of mineral fertilizer and farm yard manure). Alternate canal and tube well watering was common as reported by 80% of the respondents. Major problems reported were the scarcity of irrigation water (97%), poor access to fertilizer (55%) and marketing of the farm products (45%). It is concluded that high illiteracy rate, shortage of irrigation water and an imbalanced use of fertilizers are the major reasons for low productivity. Introducing water and nutrient efficient crops and extension services for improved technology could provide good perspectives for a sustained fodder production in these peri-urban areas.