Adoption behavior of lemon growers towards essential oil extraction technology in the Pothwar region of Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT: This study assessed the adoption level of essential oil extraction practices among lemon growers in the Pothwar region of Punjab, Pakistan. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 138 smallholders using the interview method by trained remunerators. Descriptive statistics and econometrics; logit and Poisson regression were employed for data analysis. Results of farmers’ perceptions of adopting new practices indicated that 10.1% of the farmers are not adopting any one, 22.5% are adopting any three, and 26.8% are adopting all four practices. Moreover, farmers’ age, farming experience, land holding, skill, training participation, and receptivity proved to be statistically significant determinants in improving the likelihood of adopting all four practices under the logit and Poisson models, respectively. Hence, it is recommended that the provision of an effective package in the form of literature concerning essential oil extraction practices to the doorsteps of smallholders during demonstration sessions, along with adequate professional training, could help in improving farmers’ perceptions toward adoption and strengthening the essential oil sector.