Quantifying yield and economics of improved rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) in Manipur

Abstract

The study aimed at quantifying yield and economics of the performance of frontline demonstrations (FLDs) in terms of grain yield, extension gap, technological gap and economic gains in six improved varieties of rice in 9 districts of Manipur during 2016-17 to 2018-19. The data on selected parameters of demonstration plots as well as control plots were collected through experimental designs (‘Control-Treatment’) of social research. The results revealed that the average grain yield in demonstration plots of all the selected varieties of rice was higher than farmers practice with highest percent increase over the local check was recorded in var. RC Maniphou-7 (32.67%). The lowest extension gap and technology gap were observed in var. RC Maniphou-11 (7.5q/ha) and CAU-R1 (5q/ha). While the highest technology index was seen in RC Maniphou-7 (14.87%) variety of rice with respect to its potential yield. The study also shown that the highest additional income of Rs. 27325/ha in demonstration over local check was recorded in cultivation of var. RC Maniphou-13 with B:C ratio of 2.38. This was followed by var. RC Maniphou-10 (Rs. 27033/ha), RC Maniphou- 12 (Rs. 23550/ha) and CAU-R1 (Rs. 22153/ha). The results clearly indicate that the adoption of improved varieties of rice and recommended package of cultivation practices with scientific intervention by KVKs under frontline demonstration (FLD) programme contributes to increase the productivity and profitability of rice cultivation at farmers’ fields in Manipur, which may be further improved by reducing the cost of cultivation, extension gap and technology gap.