Impact of cluster frontline demonstration on black gram in Western Zone of Tamilnadu

Abstract

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is one of the most important pulse crop cultivated in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. However, the productivity of black gram in the district is low. Attempts were made to improve the productivity and to increase the area under black gram by adopting high yielding variety along with improved practices. A total of 60 Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) at farmers field were carried out on black gram to demonstrate the production potential and economic benefits of Improved Practices comprising of high yielding variety namely Vamban 6 (VBN 6) in Erode District during Rabi during 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2015–16. The farmers obtained 7.7q/ha yield which was 7.08 per cent higher over the farmer practice. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 0.49 q/ha, 1.04q/ha, and 12.26 per cent, respectively. The improved practices gave highest benefit cost ratio 2.2 and 43.34 per cent farmers satisfied with highest client satisfaction index score.