Gap analysis and economics of front line demonstrations in moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] under rainfed conditions of Rajasthan

Abstract

Performance analysis in terms of gap analysis, yield enhancement and economic viability of improved production technologies of moth bean vis-à-vis farmers’ practice was evaluated through front line demonstrations at farmers’ field during kharif seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2018. The front line demonstrations were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bikaner-II, Rajasthan. Recommended technologies for the agro-climatic zone (Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Plain Zone, numerated as IC) developed by the university were adopted in letter and spirit for cultivating moth bean. Improved varieties of moth bean recommended for the region viz., RMO 257, CAZRI Moth 2 and RMO 257 were grown under demonstrations. Selection of farmers’ were done following due technique of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). The experimental results reveal that grain yield under demonstrations ranged from 520 to 610 kg/ha with a mean of 567 kg/ha. In per cent terms, scaling in productivity following improved technology ranged from 18.96 to 30.00% with an average value of 23.26% (over the Farmers’ practice). Moreover, average yield gaps for extension, technology and technology index were 50, 107 kg/ha and 8.11 per cent, respectively. Demonstration of improved technologies also fetched average gross (₹35,838/ha), net return (₹24,622/ha) and additional return (₹5,605/ha) in comparison to Farmers’ practice. Demonstration of improved technology also resulted in realizing higher incremental cost benefit ratio (4.8) and benefit: cost ratio (2.20) compared to the Farmers’ practice (1.89) during three years study period. This enhancement in grain yield and economics of moth bean under demonstrations clearly showed the impact of adoption of improved technology over farmers’ practice in Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Plain Zone of Rajasthan.