Broccoli: Introduction and Adoption Constraints in Pakistan
Broccoli: Introduction and Adoption Constraints in Pakistan
Muhammad Shakeel1,2*, Salik Nawaz2, Yasar Saleem3, Shazia Shafique2, Ateeq Tahir2 and Muhammad Riaz2
ABSTRACT
Broccoli production for more than just food has created needs to expend its cultivation spectrum in Pakistan. Present studies conducted during 2016-17 and were designed to understand socio-economic and agronomic constraints associated with adoption of broccoli in Pakistan. Growers and other stakeholders were contacted by personal visits, telephone calls and distribution of the structured questionnaire. Information was collected from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) provinces, Kashmir and Islamabad. A total of 167 farmers and amateurs growers, engaged in the cultivation of high value or medicinal crops were contacted. Out of these, 68 found as broccoli growers and most probably due to shyness only 37 contributed in data collection process. In the perspectives of health-promoting properties of broccoli 62% were unaware of health benefits and 7% aware of beneficial properties against heart diseases. In case of selection of varieties 37% were unaware of the name of variety and 22% cultivate “Marathon” while a small group was cultivating other improved varieties. In case of agronomic input 96% farmers were applying fertilizers and observing other recommendations for cauliflower. In case of postharvest handling 49 % were not specific for packing material whereas broccoli leaves were being used for wrapping of florets by 30% while 21.6% farmers were using paper for wrapping. The present studies concluded that broccoli has great potential for adoption especially for smallholding growers. But it needs government and media assistance for creating awareness for its health benefits and crop production technology.
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