A griculture is still the largest sector of Pakistan's economy in terms of labour participation and as such livelihood of the majority of the population directly or indirectly depends on it. However, during the last few decades, its contribution to GDP has gradually decreased to 19.3 percent however there is Abstract | The present study was conducted to find out the factors affecting the production of apricot in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Data were collected from 132 respondents belonging to the district Mansehra's five agriculture circles through a pre-tested interview schedule. Results were obtained through frequency, percentage and multiple regression with a dummy variable model. The majority (46.2%) apricot growers cultivated apricot on 01 kanal of land and major group (31.8%) were getting 51-70 Kg yields per tree. Moreover, 68.9% of apricot growers used chemical fertilizers, and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) application was also in practice by 62.9%. Apricot growers in major cases (59.1%) irrigated their crops in drought periods.In the majority of cases through wells/tube wells followed by canals, while onethird of total cases were only rain water-dependent. Further, more than 50% of the cases aphids, scale and flat-headed borer insect/pest attacks were reported on the apricot crop. Besides scab, brown rot and shot hole were reported by more than 60%, apricot growers.Regarding dormant practices, 65.2% apricot growers pruned their trees, 67.4% applied winter oil and 69.7% Bordeaux mixture while unfortunately,60.6% of the respondents were not doing hoeing practice. The Regression analysis results reported application of chemical fertilizers, FYM, irrigation in drought periods, pruning, winter oil and Bordeaux mixture application were positively and significantly related to apricot production while simultaneously flat-headed borer and brown rot were found inversely but significantly related. The study recommends special attention to improve stone fruit production through increased contacts with agricultural extension and research. Moreover,proper use and availability of chemical fertilizers, FYM and irrigation, and timely use of insecticides/pesticides, healthy hoeing practices with the elimination of weeds.Access to micro-level credit by introducing in farm techniques of intercropping, proper division and allocation of lands suitable to stone fruits, vegetables, grain crops, and other cash crops and relaxation in criteria for the government's establishment orchard and non-government agriculture departments/agencies.

The research study was carried out with the aims to find tomato insects/pests responsible for yield losses in Pakkhal valley of district Mansehra. Data were collected from tomato growers by using an interview schedule in the union council Baffa of the study area. The results of the study focused that maximum land under tomato cultivation was found 8.75 and minimum 0.25 acres with a major group (35.4%) of tomato growers cultivating on 2.5 acre and below size of land. Chemical fertilizers were applied by all the respondents while one-third applied natural fertilizer along with chemical fertilizers. Regarding irrigation majority (89.2%) was blessed with canals while 10.8% were rain water dependent. Two-third of the total cases relied on chemical method for insects/pests control while one-third on chemical and physical both. The highest yield recorded was above 16000 Kg/acre achieved by only less than a quarter (23.1%), while collectively above fifty percent (53.9%), tomato growers were incompetent to achieve per acre yield of 12000 Kg. Majority (81.5%) tomato growers faced aphids attack while more than 50% reported whitefly, Cutworm, mites and Armyworm. Leaf miner, thrips and fruit fly were reported by less than 50% of the total respondents. The result of regression analysis revealed that attack of insects/pests i.e. aphids, armyworm, mites, thrips and fruit fly were found non-significant while cutworm, whitefly and leaf miner have significant negative effects on per acre yield of tomato. Inappropriate and cultural practices, high dependency on agrovet dealers and fellow farmers were the key factors of yield losses. It is recommended to spray on the proper time along with follow-ups and physical control techniques. Selection of right time, control methods, appropriate insecticides/pesticides along-with recommended dose and treatments must be defined by the recommendations of agriculture experts instead of fellow farmers and agrovet sellers. Trainings, workshops and field activities should be organized regarding improved farm management practices especially on the aspect of insects/pests management to minimize the yield losses.