Frontline Demonstration to popularize flower cultivation through Marigold production among the farmers of Samba district

Abstract

Marigold is one of the important commercial crops among floriculture supplementing the regular income to small and marginal farmers of the Samba district of JandK Union Territory. Jammu being a city of temples consumption of flowers is more, but as compared to consumption production is very less. However, the major constraints of marigold cultivation are low productivity due to the lack of good quality seed, non adoption of recommended package of practices and lack of awareness regarding the economics of the crop as compared to cereals. To solve this problem, front line demonstration were conducted at the farming situation of Samba district with the participation of farmers after the baseline survey. The cultivation practices in this FLD (use of improved variety, proper nursery techniques and balance dose of fertilizers, important inter-culture operations and plant protection measures) increased the yield by 53.78 percent on an average over the farmer practice. The highest extension gaps were 72.75q/ ha while the technology index, which is inversely correlated to the feasibility of the improved technology in the farmer’s field was24.3 percent. The adoption of improved technology under FLDs resulted in higher gross returns (Rs 728000/ha), net return (Rs 643517/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1:7.61) as compared to farmer practice.