Assessment of Doable Technologies for enhancing the yield potentials in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Rainfed Conditions

Abstract

Cluster FLDs were organized by AICRP on sunflower scheme, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during three consecutive years of 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 in an area of 50 ha at 66 locations. At every demonstration site improved management practices viz improved sunflower hybrid with high oil content (Prabhath), thinning at 10 days after sowing boron spray @0.2% at ray floret stage and need based plant protection measures were demonstrated against viz., farmer’s practice of sunflower cultivation. The sunflower yields under demonstration practice higher than farmer practice in all the three years. The percentage increase over farmers practice was lowest 13.3% during 2020-21 and highest 25.6 during 2018- 19 with an average increase of 20.7 per cent observed in demonstration practice. The average gross returns of three years were Rs. 92477/- per hectare in demo practice which is 19.7 per cent higher than the farmers practice (Rs. 72262/- per ha.). The net returns of Rs.65393/- per hectare was recorded under demonstration practice and it was 26.9 per cent higher than the farmer practice (Rs. 51528/- per ha.). The mean benefit cost ratio of three years of demonstration practice higher (1:3.2) than farmer practice (1:2.96).