Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Productivity and Profitability of Pigeonpea under NFSM in Beed District of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Pulses are the integral part of many diets across the globe and they have great potential to improve human health, conserve our soils, protect the environment and contribute to global food security. India is the largest producer, consumer and importer of the pulses in the world. Pigeonpea is an important pulse crop that plays an important role in the food and nutritional security of people in the developing countries and contributing to protein intake. It is a soil building crop and being a leguminous crop, fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic fixation, there by helps in N cycling within the ecosystem. Method: Cluster frontline demonstrations on BDN 711 variety of pigeonpea were conducted bsy Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khamgaon of Beed District, Maharashtra State. Cluster frontline demonstration of pigeonpea variety BDN 711 were conducted during 2019-20 to 2022-23 on 80 ha area in 200 number of total demonstrations. Pigeonpea variety BDN 711 released by Vasantarao Naik Marathada Krishi Vidyapeeth is resistant to wilt, drought tolerant and suitable for medium type of soils. Improved cultivation practices were demonstrated at farmer’s field for four consecutive years by active participation of farmers with an objective of improved technologies of pigeonpea production potentials. Results: The result of the demonstrations concluded that an average yield of pigeonpea under improved technology ranged from 1430 kg/ha to 1800 kg/ha with a mean 1664 kg/ha; which was 30.61 per cent higher over farmers practice (1274 kg/ha). Morever, average yield recorded was higher under demonstrations over district and state average. The study exhibited mean extension gap of 391 kg/ha, mean technology gap 535 kg/ha with mean technology index 25.23 per cent. Higher mean net return of Rs. 71912/ha with mean B:C ratio 2.36 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmers practice. The results clearly indicated that the beneficial impact of front line demonstrations over the farmers practices towards enhancing the productivity of pigeonpea cultivation in Beed district of Maharashtra state, India. Demonstrated technologies proved more remunerative and economically viable compared to farmers traditional practices in pigeonpea cultivation.