Popularization of Pearlmillet Production Technology through Front Line Demonstrations in the Transitional plain Zone of Luni Basin of Rajasthan

Abstract

Front line demonstrations on pearlmillet were carried out by College of Agriculture Sumerpur, Pali (Rajasthan) to study the yield gaps between improved packages of practices (IP) verses farmer’s practice (FP) during Kharif seasons 2019-20 to 2021-22 at Rohit block of Pali district of Rajasthan. The improved technologies consisted use of high yielding hybrids, application of micro nutrients, integrated weed, pest and disease management. Yield attributes of improved practice (IP) and farmers’ practice (FP) were recorded, and percent yield increase, technology gap, extension gap, technology index, and FLD economics were examined. The results revealed that the highest seed yield was obtained in demonstrated plot with an average of 1481 kg ha-1 as compared to 1119 kg ha-1 and recorded an increase in the tune of 32.4 per cent. Higher net return (` 18642 ha -1) in the demonstration plots compared to farmers’ practice plot (` 13719 ha-1) was also net worth with an extension and technology gaps of 362 kg ha-1 and 1319 kg ha-1, respectively on mean basis. The demonstrations also recorded an additional return of ` 4922 ha-1 with additional investments of ` 2062 ha -1. It was attributed to scientific management and monitoring of demonstrations and use of low cost monitory inputs. The MSP of pearl millet during different years influenced the economic returns resulted into an incremental benefit: cost ratio of 2.6 under demonstrations on an average basis besides fluctuating rates of various inputs. By conducting front line demonstration of proven technologies, yield potential of pearl millet crop could be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.