Technology and Extension Gaps in Pearlmillet Productivity in Barmer District, Rajasthan

Abstract

Front line demonstrations on pearl millet were carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barmer (Rajasthan) to know the yield gaps between improved package of practices (IP) and farmer's practice (FP) during kharif seasons of 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–14. About 44.35% higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations over the farmers’ practices. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were observed to be 314 kg/ha, 478 k kg/ha and 31.9%, respectively. An additional return of 3535/ha was obtained with additional investments of 1435 kg/ha. It was attributed to scientific management and monitoring of demonstrations and use of other inputs. Fluctuating MSP of pearl millet during different years influenced the economic returns per unit area resulted into an incremental benefit: cost ratio of 2.5 under demonstration on average basis. 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.