Comparison for Yield Potential of Chickpea in Front Line Demonstrations and Farmer’s Practices in the Amritsar District of Punjab

Abstract

Chickpea (gram) is one of the most important legumes largely utilized in India and plays a vital role in improving the soil fertility with addition of nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. In Punjab, Gram accounts for only 0.02 per cent of area and 0.03 per cent of production of the country. However, the average yield in Amritsar district is 12.61 qha-1, which is substantially lower. There is great scope for increasing the productivity of chickpea, especially in Amritsar region. Keeping in view this fact, seventy one front line demonstrations were planned by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Amritsar on the improved cultural practices of gram for 5 consecutive years from 2009-10 to 2013-14. The present investigation was carried out across 38 villages in Amritsar (Punjab). Prevailing farmer’s practices were considered as control for comparison with recommended cultural practices for gram. An about of Rs. 16503 was received as net profit under improved practices as compared to Rs. 11645 in farmer’s practice. B: C ratio was 1.27 to 2.02 in demonstrations and in control was 1.11 to 1.77. The conducting the front line demonstrations with improved technologies, yield and net profit from gram crop can be improved to a considerable extent of the farming community.