334 Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 2012, 8, 334-338 ISSN: 1814-8085 / E-ISSN: 1927-5129/12 © 2012 Lifescience Global Perception of the Extension Agents Regarding Information Sources of Sustainable Agriculture in Sindh Province of Pakistan Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar 1,* , Saghir Ahmed Sheikh 2 , Shuhabuddin Mughal 3 and Mahvish Jabeen Channa 2 1 Faculty of Agricultural Social Science, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan 2 Institute of Food Sciences & Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan 3 Sindh Development Study Center, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan Abstract: The study was undertaken in Sindh province to examine the extension agents perceptions of various sources of information. This study used a descriptive research design and the target population was Extension Agents. A representative sample of 162 Extension agents was proposed from six districts of Sindh, namely, 1. Larkana 2. Naushehro Feroze 3. Shaheed Benazirabad 4. Sanghar 5. Mirpurkhas 6. Badin representing the agro-ecological zones of Sindh province. The majority of the respondents 49.38% having their age in the range of 31-45 years. The data revealed that majority of the extension personnel 43.21% of the respondents were graduate level of education. The diploma holder’s respondents were 24.69%. The majority of the extension personnel (43.21%) had job experience 21-30 years. Only 6.17% of the extension personnel had job experience of more than 31 years. The most frequent sources of information was perceived by extension agents about sustainable agriculture were television broadcasts,. However, Internet / Computers, Books and Manuals, Middle Man, and Electronic Devices (Mobile, Fax and other sources). The majority of the respondents perceived that Lack of effective monitoring (reporting and supervision) (M=1.26, SD=.058), Lack of Linkage between Research and Extension (M=1.06, SD=.025), Shortage of time to teach farmer properly (M=1.21, SD=.042), Illiteracy among farmers (M=1.141, SD=.061) and Lack of transportation facilities (M=1.21, SD=.042)as higher barrier that hampering the promotion and adoption of sustainable agriculture practices in the areas where they worked, this implies that proper guidelines and teaching aids had not been given to the extension worker to effectively work and communicate with the local farmer. However in sufficient funding for agriculture extension (M=1.71, SD=.061 Lack of means for upgrading qualification M=1.93, SD=.048), Large farm area (M=1.85, SD=.065), Lack of In- service Courses M=2.00, SD=.040), More time and management M=2.00, SD=.000) and Lack of Information about Sustainable Agriculture Technologies M=2.00, SD=.000) were perceived as a low barrier in adoption of sustainable agriculture practices.. This study will enable policy makers to effectively transfer the technology for sustained growth and will enhance farmers understanding about the concept of sustainable agriculture. Keywords: Perception, Extension agents, information sources, sustainable agriculture. INTRODUCTION Pakistan is one of the developing countries of the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Pakistan’s economy in terms of providing food employment and foreign exchange earning. The importance of agriculture is apparent from the fact that more than 70 percent of Pakistan’s population lives in rural areas and agriculture is their main source of their livelihood. It contributes 26 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture provides 47% employment of labor force and 72% population directly or indirectly is engaged in agriculture. Environmentally sustainable agriculture movement is very strong in most developed countries, but it is new in Pakistan. The question is whether or not it is possible to maintain resources, most importantly the soil and simultaneously minimize environmental damages without decreasing gross output and net farm returns. If Yes, what extension strategies to be adopted and what extension education programmes should be framed in order to achieve *Address corresponding to this author at the Faculty of Agricultural Social Science, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan; Cell: +92- 3013569244; Fax: +92-22-2765554; E-mail: mikumbhar2000@yahoo.com these twin objectives of environmentally sustainable agriculture. Agriculture is an important part of every society. Sustainable economies are, in part, based upon sustainable food systems which depend in part upon agriculture. Agriculture affects the environment, human health, and even social order. However despite frequent attention in recent years on sustainable agricultural practices, the adoption of sustainable practices such as GAP has been slow by farm producers [1] reported that although the Pakistan scheme on Good Agricultural Practices was launched on 31 January 2002 and the Department of Agriculture has already taken positive steps to promote some of the program, however majority of the farm producers were reluctant to practice the program [2]. further contended that Pakistan agricultural policies are supportive for sustainable agricultural practice however the present agricultural practices in Pakistan differ from the standard of sustainability. Hence, extension workers could play a main role in assisting farm producers in their decision making process regarding the adoption of sustainable