Showing papers by "Khuda Bakhsh published in 2017"

How hard they hit? Perception, adaptation and public health implications of heat waves in urban and peri-urban Pakistan.

Abstract: Heat waves threaten human health given the fast changing climatic scenarios in the recent past. Adaptation to heat waves would take place when people perceive their impacts based on their knowledge. The present study examines perception level and its determinants resulting in adaptation to heat waves in Pakistan. The study used cross-sectional data from urban and peri-urban respondents of Faisalabad District. The study employs a health belief model to assess risk perception among the respondents. Logistic model is used to determine factors affecting level of knowledge, perception and adaptation to heat waves. Around 30% of peri-urban respondents have a low level of knowledge about the fatal impacts of heat waves. Risk perception of heat waves is very low among urban (57%) and peri-urban (66%) respondents. Households' knowledge on heat waves is significantly related to age, gender, education, wealth and access to health services. Determinants of perception include knowledge of heat waves, age and joint effect of marital status and knowledge while income level, family size, urban/peri-urban background, perceived barriers, perceived benefits and cues to action significantly affect adaptation to heat waves. To reduce deadly health impacts, mass awareness campaigns are needed to build perception and improve adaptation to heat waves.

Impacts of Bt cotton on profitability, productivity and farm inputs in Pakistan: use of panel models

Abstract: This study estimates the benefits from adopting Bt cotton seeds in Punjab, Pakistan over two cropping seasons - 2008 and 2009. The study uses the panel modeling approach to determine the average effects of Bt cotton technology on short-run profits, yields and farm inputs. This approach controls for biases resulting from self-selection and endogenous farm inputs. The study shows that, on average, Bt adopting farmers receive 9 per cent higher yields per hectare (ha), reduce per-ha pesticide use by 21.7 per cent, and increase per-ha use of irrigation water by 6 per cent. Our estimates of the increase in cotton yield are far below estimates from previous studies conducted in Pakistan and India, which do not use panel methods. Allowing more Bt cotton varieties and ensuring the availability of quality Bt cotton seeds in the market is likely to lead to further increase in the private benefits from Bt cotton.

An economic assessment of turmeric production in punjab-pakistan

Abstract: Study was conducted in main turmeric producing pocket of Pakistan to estimate cost of turmeric production, assess issues in cultivation and marketing sectors and work out feasibility of establishing turmeric grinding units. For this purpose, primary data with the help of well-structured questionnaires covering cultivation and marketing aspects of turmeric were collected from 50 turmeric farmers. Focused group discussions with 10 processors from local trade market were also arranged in order to supplement the sampled data particularly helping in feasibility analysis of grinding unit. Descriptive statistics, economic analysis and feasibility analysis of turmeric grinding unit were performed. Results indicate that output prices of turmeric remain highly un-stable during the season affecting production and processing to a great extent. Cost of production estimates across small as well large farm categories reflects that cultivation of turmeric despite the seasons’ lowest market prices (Rupees 696 per maund) of raw turmeric is profitable only to owners of land from both small and large farming categories. In other words, when output prices of raw turmeric in the past were reasonably higher (up to Rs.1000 per maund) then all types of farmers i.e. land owners as well as owner cum tenant had earned almost double returns than costs. On one hand, un-predictable and fluctuating trend in output prices and under-weighing practices by the commission agents and on the other hand, existence of profit margin in processing were inducing growers and processors to add value to raw turmeric for their enhanced incomes. Moreover, processing trend was increasing day-by-day in the study area. Therefore, market linkages need revival among stakeholders. Similarly, national sensitization on turmeric processing could help create awareness and get the attention of government for policy drive.