Stepping towards essential oil extraction technology: Prospects and Challenges for aromatic growers in Northern Punjab, Pakistan
Author(s) : Fouzia Anjum , Sher Muhammad, Badar Naseem Siddiqui
Digital object identifier:
https://doi.org/10.52587/JAF050201
Abstract:
Promoting awareness and knowledge dissemination becomes a powerful tool for propelling both sustainability and profitability in navigating the complexities of contemporary agriculture. The perceived effectiveness and profitability are likely attributed to the high-value crops, particularly essential oils such as eucalyptus oil as lucrative. A sample size of 288 aromatic growers was selected from stratified random sampling in northern Punjab, Pakistan. This study delves into the prospects and challenges impacting farmers' knowledge concerning three distinct essential oil extraction (EOE) practices using ordinal regression analysis. The key findings revealed that the majority of the respondents perceived these practices as cost-effective, profit-driven, productive in terms of crop yield, and motivated towards adoption as statistically significant predictors. Conversely, limited market proximity, negative perception among peers, and scarcity of skilled workforce proved to be significant barriers triggering their perception toward adoption. The application of ordinal regression analysis knowledge provided a thorough understanding of decision-making processes among aromatic growers. This study contributes to the theoretical framework by highlighting the interconnectedness of economic factors and farmers' knowledge, providing a nuanced understanding of the drivers behind EOE practices. Hence, this study underscore the importance of this multi-faceted approach involving education, policy, and industry participation to promote a sustainable and profitable essential oil sector within the agricultural landscape of the Asiatic region. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance farmer education through targeted training programs, incentivize eco-friendly practices with supportive policies, and foster innovation through public-private partnerships to drive a profitable essential oil sector.
