Q:) What is the Extension Services?
A:) The Extension is an arm of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) with the mandate to provide information in aspects of agriculture and related issues with the aim of assisting farmers in increasing efficiency in production and hence increasing profitability. Our full organizational description is in our "About Us" entry.
Q:) Where is your Office Located?
A:) We have extension offices in each district in addition to our main office in Ramallah.
Q:) What are your Office Hours?
A:) We are open Sunday-Thursday from 8:00 am- 15:00 pm. Please call our extension offices at their contacts if you need any help or you are planning a visit to ensure better and effective service.
Q:) I need to plant some trees. Where can I buy seedlings?
A:) Tree seedlings are available at private nursery businesses notably in TulKarem, Qalqilia, Jenin, Hebron, Jericho. Extension has an excellent publication, Buying Quality Seedlings. Contact the Extension office for a copy. Also Extension has a Nursery Seedling List that is available at the same address or click on the link.
Q:) I want to get my soil tested. Where do I take my sample? How do I get my soil tested?
A:) Extension has a brief publication titled, Taking a Soil Sample that is available at the Extension office. Also, we have some specialized laboratories in the districts that do soil testing. Stop at the Extension office for a copy or call to have these items mailed to you. Click on Lab lists for a link to the soil test lab information
Q:) Request a Water Test ?
A:) Bring 1 quart of water to the extension office. If your water sources is a well, you will need to know the well depth (in feet) and the well casing diameter (in inches). The basic test includes: pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, A1, B, Cu, Zn, Na, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Mo. You may also request Nitrate (NO3), Lead (Pb), or other tests. The information above relates to just one test, our Extension Office conducts many types of tests. For more information about water testing, please call our office at your district.
Q:) Where do I get my soil tested? Is there a list of soil labs available?
There are two labs that complete soil testing for agricultural purposes. These labs can analyze soil for crop nutritional requirements (such as pH, salts and fertilizer nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). They may also be able to investigate concerns about soil contamination or look at soil physical properties such as texture, porosity or particle size distribution. If you need a listing for labs in the Districts, please contact the District of Agricultural Directorate in Nablus and Jenin.
Q:) Do you have anyone that will come to my farm and give me advice about diseases & pest control, pruning, fertilization, etc?
A:) The Extension services are available at all districts and are provided by more than (150) extension officer who are able to make farm visits to provide educational information about a wide variety of farm management topics. They won"t do work for you nor will they make decisions for you. But, they can point you in the direction of the help you need. Contact the Extension office for a specialzied extension officer who can help.
Q:) The trees in my backyard are looking sick and seem to be dying. I don"t want to lose them. What can I do?
A:) Our extension officers are available upon your request at the Extension Office. They manage a public clinic extension for farming questions Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 15:00 pm. They may be able to diagnose your problem or direct you to other assistance.
Q:) Where can I get more information about Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A:) Information on Integrated Pest Management can be obtained by visiting or contatcing our extension officers at the District Agricultural Directorates. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic decision-making process that supports a balanced approach to managing crop and livestock production systems for the effective, economical and environmentally-sound suppression of pests.
Q:) Do you have any information on mushroom farming?
A:) Call the Ministry of Agriculture offices in the District or at the General Directorate of Extesnion & rural Development HQ at 02-240.04.80.
** We are happy to answer your questions and provide further information on our services. Please call our Extension offices at districts. E-mail is also an option at customer@ersahd.moa.pna.ps
