Comparison of socio-economic characteristics of farming families in central and southern regions of Punjab Province of Pakistan. Dr. Nasir Nadeem

The objective of this study was to compare the extent of poverty in Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan. From the list of all districts of Central and Southern Punjab, district Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and distict Dera Ghazi Khan (DGK) were selected randomly as representative of Central and Souther Punjab respectively. Data was collected in 2011-12. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The results of the demographic analysis showed that labour class was higher in DGK (43%) while dependency ratio was estimated for TTS (135.12%) as compared to DGK (132.78). Literacy rate was observed higher (73.28%) in Central Punjab while 59.11% was found in district DGK. Houses with permanent structure were higher (40%) in TTS as compared to 12% in DGK. The ownership of other assets revealed that tractors, car/scooter, refrigerator and televisions were owned more in TTS due to their better economic conditions. Data further showed that participation of women in family income was found as 67 in district D. G. Khan which is higher than 45 in TTS. Further analysis revealed that in the district of DGK majority of households (43.7%) have their own cultivated lands. The use of tractors and implements is more in deistrict DGK as compared to TTS. About 66% farmers in district TTS use certified seeds while it is 42% in district DGK. As for as food security is concerned, district TTS was found more food securied due to more average income. . The study concludes that incidence of poverty is higher in Southern Punjab relative to Central Punjab as shown by various indicators.