Enhancement in productivity of green gram (Vigna radiate L) through front line demonstration technologies in Rajasthan

Abstract

India is a major producer of green gram in the world and grown in almost all the States. Its area in the country is about 4.5 million ha. with the total production of 2.5 million tonnes having a productivity of 548 kg/ha and contributing 10 per cent to the total pulse production in 2019–20. Rajasthan is the major producer of green gram followed by Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and Karnataka. However, the area under this crop fluctuates with rainfall. In Ajmer district, the area has fluctuated between 0.86 to 1.21 lakh ha during last five years. Similarly, the average productivity ranged from 403 to 701 Kg/ha (during 2014–15 to 2019–20). Since the average productivity of green gram is far below the potential yield, therefore, efforts were made to increase the productivity by promotion of improved technologies through frontline demonstrations (FLDs). Front line demonstration is an effective technology transfer tool that bridges the yield gaps. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ajmer has conducted large number of FLDs on green gram in the district during 2016 to 2021. A total number of 370 demonstrations were conducted on green gram in 190 ha area under rainfed condition with the active participation of farmers. The objective of these demonstrations was to increase the productivity of green gram crop by adopting improved technologies at farmers’ fields. Results of FLDs indicated that demonstrated technologies recorded higher yield as compared to farmer's local practice. The demonstrated improved technology of green gram recorded 25.9 to 46.6 per cent increase in yield in comparison to farmer practice. Result of the study indicated that the demonstrated technology of green gram recorded highest yield of 10.20 q/ha against local check (7.40 q/ha) with an increase of 38.2 per cent during kharif 2018. Technological yield gap affecting yield in green gram was found to be highest (5.20 q/ha) during 2016, while extension yield gap varied from 1.40 to 2.80 q/ha in green gram cultivation during study period. Overall, it is inferred that the demonstrated improved technology package gave higher gross return, net return with higher benefit cost ratio as compared to farmer's practices in both farming situations.