Farmers' Perceptions of Smog in Punjab, Pakistan: A Quantitative Survey-Based Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/jbs.2025.29Keywords:
Smog; Farmers; Punjab; Crop-residue burning; Air pollutionAbstract
Background: Smog has become a major environmental concern in Punjab, Pakistan, with agricultural activities, crop-residue burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution contributing to deteriorating air quality. Farmers are particularly important stakeholders because they both experience the effects of smog and can contribute to its seasonal occurrence through agricultural practices.
Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively assess farmers' perceptions of smog, its major causes, perceived effects on agricultural activities and health, and potential mitigation measures in Sargodha District, Punjab.
Methods: A quantitative survey was conducted among 218 farmers selected through simple random sampling from two tehsils of Sargodha District. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule based on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by agricultural extension experts and tested for reliability through a test–retest procedure involving 21 respondents. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used for analysis.
Results: The findings showed that 71.6% of farmers had a high overall perception of smog. Crop-residue burning received a high perception score (4.41 ± 0.71), while reduced visibility during farming activities (4.36 ± 0.73) was the most strongly perceived agricultural impact. Air-quality deterioration (4.45 ± 0.67) represented the highest environmental concern. Government intervention received the highest mitigation score (4.52 ± 0.63).
Conclusion: Farmers demonstrated substantial awareness of smog and supported integrated mitigation strategies involving awareness, extension services, affordable technologies, and effective government measures.
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