Plant Health Clinics (PHC) in Pakistan: Operations and Prospects

Abstract

Across the world, approximate 40% crop losses pertinent to insects and pests are reported. Severity of these losses fluctuate with the varying climatic conditions. More often these losses surpass the threshold level and farmers who are already resource poor, technically unskilled and victim of impartial access to information are unsuccessful in lowering them. In Pakistan, majority of farmers are small landholders, lacking resources, less educated and vulnerable to multiple farming risks. Inadequate tendencies to adopt and implement for plant protection restrict their expectations. Poor quality chemicals further boost the damage level. Challenges associated to plant health are constant, despite of active working of extension advisory service providers. However, role of extension workers, particularly those from plant protection departments, is critical., To strengthen the extension advisory system, appropriate knowledge access to information, coordination and cooperation with other related agencies are viable options to adopt, to provide appropriate and effective plant protection services in best entrust of farmers. Among the initiatives taken by the extension service providers related to plant protection, Plant Health Clinics (PHC) is one of the most innovative steps implemented. This initiative aimed at providing farmers an opportunity to get first hand solution for their problems. Serving farmers directly is the focus of PHC. Therefore, to enhance access, PHC are organized at public places close to farms so that farmers may be able to reach easily and consult their problem with extension expert. This initiative is on-going under the umbrella of the Punjab Agriculture Department in Pakistan. There is need to unveil the answer that how establishment of PHC is feasible? Are the accountability, reporting and communication of this initiative and competency of expert understood prior implementation of PHC? In this context, this chapter aims at underpinning ground concerns to what extent PHC is effective and successful in attracting farmers to get their problems solved. In Pakistani context, which factors are affecting PHC performance? Furthermore, success stories of PHC in Pakistan will be compared with other countries to success guidelines. This chapter is based on a mixed method technique. One portions is based on extensive literature while success stories of PHC with primary data will be described. Through primary data collection the role of extension department in improving effectiveness of PHC will be assessed.