Crop technology demonstration: An effective communication approach for dissemination of wheat production technology

Abstract

Wheat is one of the most important food crops in India. Non adoption of recommended package of practices and improved varieties are major causes of low productivity of wheat in the transitional plane of inland drainage zone. The present study was undertaken to assess efficacy of recommended package of practices to augment yields on farmers’ fields in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan during 2006-07 to 2011-12. The improved cultivation package comprises improved variety, application of fertilizer and micronutrient, control of insect-pest and diseases by use of insecticide and fungicide at economic threshold level. Adoption of improved cultivation package improves 22.54 to 35.90 % yields compared to conventional cultivation practices. Technology and extension gap in cultivar RAJ 3765 was 5.25 and 8.60 q/ha; RAJ 3777 was 7.00 and 10.00 q/ha and RAJ 4037 was 5.67 and 13.67 q/ha, respectively. Yield gaps can be further minimized by crop technology demonstration. Data on technology index reduced from 13.00 % (2006-07) to 6.67 % (2011-12) exhibited the feasibility of technology demonstration.