@article{article_325620, title={Information Sources and Satisfaction of Cotton Growers of Muzaffargarh District of Pakistan}, journal={Tarım Ekonomisi Dergisi}, volume={23}, pages={61–68}, year={2017}, DOI={10.24181/tarekoder.325620}, author={Imran, Muhammad and Özçatalbaş, Orhan}, keywords={Extension Services,Public extension,farmers’ satisfaction,Demand-driven,Punjab,Pakistan}, abstract={ Pakistan has tried many agricultural extension systems and approaches since its birth. In 1988, on the recommendation of National Commission on Agriculture formed by government to look into the poor performance of agriculture, privatization of agricultural extension was started. Currently, more than 500 private companies with public extension departments (multinational, national and generic) with public extension departments are actively engaged in providing extension services to farmers in addition to selling their products. In recent day’s world, accountability is very important, without that you cannot evaluate the performance of any sector. Extension service providers should ensure the continuous satisfaction of farmers with the services being provided. In order to increase farmers’ confidence and loyalty, extension feedback is becoming important day by day. Generally, evaluation of extension has been focused on farmers, such as behavioral change and also increase in output use, yield and income. Another important factor impacting the success or failure of extension programs may be efficiency and effectiveness with which extension personal deliver extension services. Present study, is aimed at analyzing the satisfaction of cotton growers with public and private extension services. In this regard, data was collected from 95 farmers using pre-tested questionnaire and using the mutli-stage random sampling technique from Muzaffargarrh district of Punjab province of Pakistan. Collected data were analyzed by using chi square test and frequency and percentages. Most of the farmers in the study area are getting extension services from private sector (pesticide companies). Study concluded that majority of the farmers were not fully satisfied with either the public or private extension services, however, farmers expressed partial satisfaction with private pesticide companies. Following these findings, resolute efforts are needed to improve quality of extension services both by private and public sector. Holistic participatory approaches are required to improve farmers understanding of technology, demand driven and farmers friendly strategies are recommended. Total service package should be applied by private companies rather than just pesticide use and disease identification services. }, number={1}, publisher={Turkish Agricultural Economics Association}