Assessment of cluster front line demonstration on yield and economics of summer sesame

Abstract

Sesame is one of the most important oilseed crops which play a major role in increasing the income of small and marginal farmers of the Kutch region of Gujarat. To promote the improved cultivation technology of sesame with high yielding variety ‘GT4’ and ‘GJT5’, 123 cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted in 63.2 ha area during summer, at ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat during summer 2017 to 2020. The four years data revealed that the average yield increased to 16.34% over the existing practice due to adoption of improved practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 270.5 kg/ha, 121 kg/ha and 24.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the economics of the demonstrations and farmers practice showed an increased net return of ₹39,319/ha with benefit: cost ratio (BCR) of 2.47 in demonstrated plots over conventional plots where it was ₹30,700/ha and 2.19, respectively. By conducting front line demonstration of the proven technologies, yield potential of sesame crop could be enhanced to a greater extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.