Higher Net Returns Research Articles

Pension fund investments in infrastructure

AbstractInfrastructure investment is increasingly important for institutional investors. This paper focuses on pension fund allocations to infrastructure, using the CEM Benchmarking database. We document that larger pension funds, public pension funds, and pension funds with a higher allocation to other alternative assets are more likely to invest in infrastructure. Pension funds across the globe face infrastructure investment costs that are comparable, but we observe significant scale advantages in infrastructure investments, with larger pension funds exhibiting lower investment costs, and higher net returns. Importantly, infrastructure has been among the best-performing asset classes, as measured by net returns, and we document persistence in pension fund infrastructure investment performance over a one-year horizon.

Effect of tillage and land levelling practices on productivity of transplanted rice: A case study in canal command area of north western plateau agro-climatic zone

An on-farm study on the response of transplanted rice to land preparation methods was undertaken on a sandy clay loam soil in Pitamahal irrigation command of Sundargarh district (Odisha) for two consecutive dry seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The treatments included normal ploughing with desi plough followed by levelling of 0.5 – 1 % slope (T1), deep ploughing (20 - 25 cm) with bullock drawn M.B. plough followed by levelling of 0 - 0.25 % slope (T2), and farmers' practice of ploughing with desi plough and levelling varying 1-3 % slope (T3) for puddling operation. Deep ploughing (T2) resulted in higher root length (23.88 cm) and root 3 volume (81.75 cm ), owing to the initial rapid growth of roots promoted by deep ploughing that cracked the hardpan. This also increased the movement of water both laterally and vertically (7.44 mm per day) compared to T1 and T3's 5.11 and 5.71 m per day, respectively. The treatment also resulted in a significantly greater grain yield -1 (45.90 q ha ) due to a much larger effective tiller m-2 (423.40) and number of grains per panicle (71.80), as well as a higher net return per rupee spent (7.54) and benefitcost ratio (2.01).

Economic returns and the perceived obstacles to adopting active management in the forest-grassland transition ecoregion in south-central USA

Forest-grassland ecotones are a mosaic of grassland, savanna, and upland forest. As such, landowners may have opportunities to choose to manage their lands for multiple objectives. We estimated the economic returns from managing forest and rangeland in southeastern Oklahoma, USA to produce different combinations of timber, cattle forage, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) browse for a 40-year period. We further conducted a survey to understand landowner perceptions of obstacles to adopting active management that involve timber harvest and prescribed fire. The highest net return was obtained from the treatment with harvested timber that was burned every four years (uneven-aged woodland/forest) because it had the greatest gross return from a combination of timber (46%), cattle forage (42%), and deer browse (11%). The return from this treatment was greater than that for managed for timber only (closed-canopy forest) or prioritizing cattle and deer (savanna). Survey results suggested that landowners were aware of the benefits of active management but that the majority (66%) considered cost a major obstacle in the management of their forest or rangeland. In particular, women forestland owners and older landowners considered cost an obstacle. Our findings advocate integrated timber, cattle, and deer management as the best economic strategy within the forest-grassland ecotone and for targeted outreach and landowner education related to the benefits of active management.

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was carried out during the Zaid season of 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the response of sulphur and zinc on the growth and yield of Pearl millet. The treatments consist of sulphur @ 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha and zinc @ 5, 10 and15 kg/ha. There were 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%), available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the higher plant height (198.06 cm), plant dry weight (75.83 g/plant), crop growth rate (47.70 g/m2 /day), ear head length (25.2 cm), grains/ear head (2006.0), test weight (8.57 gm), higher grain yield (40.95 q/ha) and higher stover yield (40.95 q/ha) were significantly influenced with the application of sulphur 40 kg/ha + zinc 15 kg/ha. Higher gross returns (INR 92145.00/ha), higher net returns (INR 62365.00/ha) and a higher B: C ratio (2.09) were also recorded in treatment-9 (sulphur 40 kg/ha+zinc 15 kg/ha).

Effect of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted during zaidseason of 2022 at the crop research farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P) India. To study Response of Sulphur and zinc on growth and yield of Zaid blackgram. The experimental treatments consists of sulphur concentrations 20,25,30,kg/ha And zinc 5,10,15,kg/ha . There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of each experiment plot was sandy loamy, slightly alkaline (pH 7.8), low in organic corbon (0.35%) available N(163.42kg/ha), available P(21.96 kg/ha)and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that at higher plant height (39.80 cm), number of branches/plant(5.00), number of Nodules/plant(41.50), plant dry weight (4.85g/plant), pods/plant (37.36), seeds/plant (7.00), test weight (37.14g/plant), seed yield (13.63t/ha), stover yield (19.68t/ha), and harvet index (40.79 %). were significantly influenced with application of sulphur 30kg/ha +zinc 15kg/ha. Higher gross returns (INR 107670/ha), higher net returns (INR 74538.11/ha) and higher B:C (2.24) were also recorded in –treatment 9(sulphur 30kg/ha+zinc15kg/ha).

Impact of Agrometerology Advisory Services (AAS) for Assessment of Cotton Cropping System in NTR District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The survey was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023 to study the impact of Agro meteorology Advisory Services and to know the increases of production of cotton crops concerning the effect of weather parameters in selected villages under the DAMU project in NTR district, Andhra Pradesh. District Agromet Units (DAMU) which was established in Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s by Andhra Pradesh cooperative program of India Meteorology Department and Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The Main theme of DAMU is to provide timely location specific Agro-met advisories to the farmers at the sub divisional and district level. The agro meteorology advisory services were provided weekly twice among the sub divisions (Tuesday and Friday) and disseminated to farmers by including cotton growers using Whats App, emails and other print media. The impact assessment was based on feedback to come at significant illation in terms of using of Agro meteorology Advisory Service (AAS) by farmers. The assessment study revealed that the farmers who adopted agro advisory services on real-time basis obtained 18 % higher net return in cotton compared to Non-AAS farmers which were benefited by forecasting of rainfall for timely agricultural operations, the recommended dose of fertilizers, and efficient use of pesticides majors in a required support manner during different crop growth stages were advised in bi-weekly bulletins. AAS farmers benefited by timely application of insecticides and fertilizers, timely accurate weather forecasting and timely agricultural operations to gain more yield in cotton crop as compared to Non-AAS farmers. AAS might be used to be helpful to the farmers in managing and changing weather, finally decreased input cost in agriculture and acquiring cost-effective agricultural production by adopting of weather-based Agromet Advisory.

Efficacy of Sulfentrazone 39.6% and Pendimethalin as a Pre Emergence Application against Weed Spectrum of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 at the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The seven treatments comprising of four doses of sulfentrazone (180, 360, 540 and 720 g/ha), application of pendimethalin (750 g/ha) as pre emergence, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) including weedy check, were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Results revealed that, Echinochloa colona (28.24%) was the dominant weed species closely followed by Commelina communis (24.42%). However, other monocot weed like Cyperus rotundus (15.56%) and dicots like Phyllanthus niruri (19.34%) and Euphorbia hirta (12.44%) were also found associated with soybean in less numbers. Application of T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha as pre emergence arrested the weed growth remarkably and proved superior to its lower dose (180 g/ha) and application of pendimethalin 750 g/ha. The poor crop-weed competition due to effective control of weeds under this treatment resulted in higher weed control efficiency. Pre-emergence application of T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha recorded maximum grain yield and was at par with other individual herbicides. Similarly, higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio were recorded in T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha fb T3- sulfentrazone at 540 g/ha. It may be inferred from the present investigation that these herbicidal treatments could be used effectively as an alternative for controlling weeds and obtaining optimum seed yield of soybean.

Management strategy for pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in farmers-participatory mode

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in central India is witnessing increasing infestation of bollworm and sucking pests since 2016. In recent years, pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypeilla (Saunders) has emerged as a serious problem causing severe damage to cotton in several parts of our country. Farmers rely on chemical pesticides to control pest incidence that adversely affects naturally occurring predators and parasitoids in the crop ecosystems. The study was conducted by ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi during rainy (kharif) season 2018–21 to implement IPM validation trials at Wakhari village of Jalna district, Maharashtra with a view to study the economic viability and feasibility of adaptable IPM technology in farmer participatory mode. IPM implementation significantly reduced the number of insecticidal sprays (49.74%) and increased the cotton yield (28.49%) againstthe farmer’s practice (FP). Benefit to cost ratio was also higher in IPM fields (1.7, 2.4, 2.3 and 3.96) as compared to FP (1.3, 1.5, 1.74 and 2.97) during 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. It was evident that by adopting IPM strategy, pink bollworm in cotton can be successfully managed with minimum application of insecticides along with conservation of natural enemies and higher net return (42.6%) over farmer’s practice. The technology will be helpful in increasing the seed cotton yield and improve quality especially in terms of reduced pesticides contents, thereby improving the socio-economic status of cotton growers of the country.

Performance Evaluation of Wheat Crop under Sprinkler Irrigation System in Southern Haryana

The paper examines the performance of wheat crop under sprinkler irrigation system in Southern Haryana. For the selection of sample farmers, multistage random sampling technique was used. At the first stage, two districts namely Bhiwani and Rewari were selected purposively due to high rate of adoption of sprinkler irrigation system. At the second stage, again two blocks from each district were selected purposively and at the third stage two village from each block and fifteen farmers from each village were then selected randomly. Primary data was taken from a total of 120 wheat farmers from various villages. The profitability of adopter farmers was analyzed using Benefit cost ratio concept. Information regarding cost and returns of wheat crop were gathered from sampled farmers for the year 2021-22 and the net return was worked out accordingly. The total variable cost incurred for cultivation of wheat accounted for ₹45958.36 and ₹45655.04 in Rewari and Bhiwani districts respectively. Total cost incurred was ₹86136.85 and ₹85178.89 in Rewari and Bhiwani district respectively. Farmers got higher net returns in Rewari district (₹18665.70) as compared to Bhiwani district (₹18547.61). The B:C ratio over total cost in Rewari, Bhiwani and overall were 1.21, 1.22 and 1.21 respectively.

Influence of Organic Manures and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

An experiment was carried out in the field to ascertain the "Influence of organic manures and zinc on growth, yield and economics of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)” during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences Prayagraj (U.P) (Pennisetum glaucum L.). The results showed that treatment 6 [Vermicompost (2.6 t/ha) + Zinc (15 kg/ha)] significantly increased plant height (169.2 cm), dry weight (94.90 g), ear head length (26.4 cm), maximum number of grains/ear head (2046), grain weight/ear head (23.4 g), test weight (9.21 g), grain yield (3.90 t/ha), stover yield (8.20 t/ha), and harvest index (32.24%). In comparison to other treatments, treatment 6 [Vermicompost (2.6 t/ha) + Zinc (15 t/ha)] also had the highest total returns (91919 INR/ha), highest net returns (64269 INR/ha), and highest benefit cost ratio (2.32).

Optical sensor-based nitrogen management: an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach for sustainable wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production on Eastern plains of India

An optical sensor like Green Seeker (GS) is an emerging tool for site-specific in-season fertilizer nitrogen management strategy. The objective of this study was to establish an in-season estimate of yield (INSEY)–grain yield (GY) relation in wheat grown under Eastern plains of India using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at 45 and 65 days after sowing (DAS). Data revealed lower NDVI values at 65 DAS over 45 DAS in no-nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) applied control plots as well as in N-rich plots (225 kg ha−1 N); on the contrary, the values were higher at 65 DAS over 45 DAS in treatments where some N fertilizers were added based on NDVI readings at 45 DAS. Response index (RI) showed higher chances of response to external application of N in NDVI-based treatments. The INSEY–GY relation for wheat at 45 and 65 DAS was worked out as a power function of y = 64265x1.171 and y = 46949x1.036 (y is the attainable yield in kg ha−1 and x is INSEY), respectively. The yields could fairly be predicted through this relation even at 45 DAS, though the relationship was more robust at 65 DAS (R2 = 0.94). A prescriptive dose of 60 kg N ha−1 as basal + 60 kg N ha−1 at crown root initiation (CRI) stage followed by NDVI sensor-guided N application (at 45 and 65 DAS) brought about a significant improvement in yield performances, N use efficiencies with higher net returns, and benefit-to-cost ratio. The results proved the reliability of the NDVI sensor as an important tool for the optimization of fertilizer nitrogen in wheat grown under the Eastern plains of India. The new INSEY–GY relation developed through this trial could successfully be used for yield prediction in the Eastern plains of India under changing climate.

Growth, nodulation, yield, nitrogen uptake, and economics of lentil as influenced by sowing time, tillage, and management practices

Crop management practices and variety are two very important parameters that decides the crop performance. A field experiment was carried out during the two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to determine the impact of sowing timing, tillage operation, and variety on the growth, development, yield characteristics, and nitrogen uptake in lentil crops. The experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 3 replications comprising two different sowing conditions (S1: early sowing after harvesting of short duration kharif rice, S2: delayed sowing after harvesting of long duration kharif rice) in main plots, three different tillage operations (T1: Relay cropping, T2: Zero tillage, T3: Conventional tillage) in subplots and two different varieties (V1: short duration: L4717, V2: long period: Moitri) in subplots. The findings demonstrated a substantial interaction between sowing time, tillage, and variety on various growth and yield parameters of lentil crops. The early sowing of lentil crops (early November) yielded 4.8% more (1,105 kg ha−1) than late November sowing and adapting to the short-duration variety L4717 over the long-duration cultivar Moitri resulted in a yield increase of 5.9% (1,086 kg ha−1). Apart from providing a higher yield, it also provided an opportunity to take another crop like leafy vegetables. Among the three tillage practices adopted, conventional tillage produced the lowest yield (1,017 kg ha−1) in both experimental years. In contrast, a yield increase of 6.9% and 26.9% in relay cropping and zero tillage systems was observed, respectively. Early-sown lentils with no-tillage and a short-duration variety reached a certain phenophase faster than other combinations (life cycle: 96.2 and 98.7 days for lentils in both years). For both the sowing times, the growth parameters and the number of nodules plant−1 were highly correlated with nitrogen uptake at different stages of the life cycle. High net returns (Rs. 51,220 and 59,257) leading to higher benefit-cost ratios were observed under the treatment combination of early sowing + zero tillage + short duration variety. Therefore, the study found that short-duration lentil cultivars in combination with early sowing in the zero-tillage system are the best agronomic approach for the sustainability of lentil production after the monsoon rice harvest.

Impact of Phosphorus Levels and Spacing on Growth, Yield and Development of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). To determine the “Impact of phosphorus levels and spacing on growth, yield and development of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)”. To study treatment consisting of three phosphorus concentrations viz. 30, 40, 50 kg/ha and three levels of spacing 20cm×20cm, 30cm×30cm, 40cm×40cm. There were 10 treatments, each of which was replicated three times and laid out in a random block design. The results showed that treatment 8 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + (30cm×30cm)] recorded significantly higher plant height (60.3 cm), higher number of branches/plant (7.40), higher plant dry weight (16.47 g), higher number of nodules/plant (10.00). Whereas, maximum number of pods/plant (15.07), maximum number of seeds/pod (10.87), higher seed yield (1.05 t/ha), higher stover yield (1.60 t/ha), was recorded in treatment 8 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + (30cm×30cm)]. Similarly, maximum gross returns (89,050.00 INR/ha), higher net returns (57,832.40 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (1.85) was also recorded in treatment 8 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + (30cm×30cm)] as compared to other treatments.

A REVIEW ON AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF POULTRY MEAT PRODUCTION IN NEPAL

Poultry meat is one of the dynamic Agriculture subsector in Nepal which accounts about 4% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This review was done to study the population, production (egg and meat) and distribution of poultry in Nepal. In order to meet the demand of poultry produce, the commercial poultry production has increased about more than double the last decade. Nepal lies at 112th position for chicken meat production of world, which is at the 92nd for egg production in world. The recent data of 2021/22 shows the poultry meat production is 65,387 tonnes growing at an average annual rate of 6.60%. The cost of production includes variable cost and fixed cost, Various investment patterns in farms their respective values and worked out the level of significance was analyzed. The analysis of net return was differed significantly with farm size with higher net return in large farm so that the result reveal that large farm has higher mass of meat production and lower feed conversion rate indicating higher profit margin with enlarge in farm size. it was concluded that the poultry Meat producing farms are profitable and they possesses high growth potentials which are achievable through increased investment and proper management of identified constraints and recommended that broiler farmers should increase their flock size, develop the skills of record keeping and feed formulation to reduce feed cost.

Yield and Economics of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) as Influence by Spacing and Nipping in Manipur

Aims: To study the yield and economics of pea (Pisum Sativum L.) as influence by spacing and nipping in Manipur.
 Study Design: Factorial randomized block design (FRBD).
 Place and Duration of Study: Experimental field of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15.
 Methodology: The treatment combinations involving two factors were S1N1, S1N2, S2N1, S2N2, S3N1, S3N2, S4N1 and S4N2 (Spacing i.e., S1-20X15cm, S2-20X20cm, S3-30X10cm and S4-30X15cm and nipping i.e., N1-No nipping and N2-Nipping.
 Results: The pooled results of two years of study revealed that the yield differed significantly at a 5% probability level with different treatment combinations. The number of branches at harvest was significantly affected by both spacing and nipping with maximum branches in treatment combination S4N2 resulting in highest number of pods observed in S4N2 with 11.02 (pooled) and the lowest in S1N1. Spacing and nipping treatment had no significant influence on the pod length. The maximum stover yield was recorded in S1N2 with 27.35 q/ha and minimum in S4N1 with 22.02 q/ha. The highest seed yield of 16.05 q/ha was recorded in S4N2 with highest net return (₹ 2,05392/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (1:4.69). The present study suggests that the spacing of 30x15cm with nipping was found to be the best amongst the treatment combinations in regards to yield and higher feasible net returns.

Influence of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). To determine the “Influence of sulphur and foliar application of molybdenum on growth and yield of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.).” The results showed that treatment 9 [Sulphur (30kg/ha) + Molybdenum (15ppm)] recorded significantly higher plant height (59.5 cm), higher number of branches/plant (6.60), higher number of nodules/plant (33.80), higher plant dry weight (16.26 g). Whereas, maximum number of pods/plant (14.87), maximum number of seeds/pod (10.67), higher test weight (133.34 g), higher seed yield (1.03 t/ha), higher haulm yield (1.70 t/ha), was recorded in treatment 9 [sulphur (30kg/ha) + Molybdenum (15ppm)]. Similarly, maximum gross returns (73,697.44 INR/ha), higher netreturns (49,050.92 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (1.99) was also recorded in treatment 9 [sulphur (30kg/ha) + Molybdenum (15ppm)] as compared to other treatments.

Impact of Sulphur and Boron Levels on Growth, Yield, and Economics of Summer Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). To determine the “Impact of sulphur and boron levels on growth, yield, and economics of summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.)”. To study treatments consisting of three Sulphur viz. 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha and three levels of Boron 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. There were 10 treatments, each of which was replicated three times and laid out in a random block design. The results showed that treatment 9 [Sulphur (15 kg/ha) + Boron (0.6%)] showed the highest performance of all treatments with a plant height of (47.5 cm), number of branches/plants (8.80), plant dry weight (7.38 g), number of nodules/plant (7.40). Where as, maximum number of pods/plant (29.4), maximum number of seeds/pod (10.33), higher seed yield (1.21 t/ha), higher haulm yield (2.81 t/ha), higher harvest index (30.3 %), was recorded in treatment 9 [Sulphur (15 kg/ha) + Boron (0.6%)]. Similarly, maximum gross returns (82,022.00 INR/ha), higher net returns (53,522.30 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (1.88) was also recorded in treatment 9 [Sulphur (15 kg/ha) + Boron (0.2%)] as compared to other treatments.

The Effect of Phosphorus and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season (March to June; Summer season crop) of 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India to determine the “The effect of phosphorus and molybdenum on the growth and yield of summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)”. The results showed that the treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50 kg/ha) + Molybdenum (2 kg/ha)] recorded significantly higher plant height (73.43 cm), higher number of nodules per plant (17.66), higher plant dry weight (23.07 g/plant), higher crop growth rate(18.87g/m2/day) maximum number of pods per plant (15.10), maximum number of seeds per pod (14.67), higher seed index (16.03 g), higher seed yield (1550.27 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (1615.50 kg/ha) and higher harvest index (49.05%) was recorded in treatment 8 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + Molybdenum (1.5kg/ha)]. Similarly, maximum gross return (94954.8 INR/ha), higher net return (65670.3 INR/ha) and highest Benefit Cost ratio (2.24) was also recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + Molybdenum (2kg/ha)] as compared to other treatments.

Study of Productivity and Economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) var. KBSH – 1 as Influenced by Nitrogen and Spacing

A field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of Nitrogen and Spacing levels on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) var. during kharif season of 2022, with 10 treatments (1-9) with different treatment combination of nitrogen and spacing and T10 is control. (viz. Nitrogen at 50, 60, and 70 kg/ha with 45 X 20 cm , 55 X 20 cm , 65 X 20 cm respectively). The soil experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (Ph 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28%), available N (225kg/ha), available P (19.50kg/ha) and K (92kg/ha) at crop research farm of Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj to study the effect of nitrogen and spacing on growth, yield and economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Var. KBSH - 1, The result revealed that application of 70 kg N/ha + 45 X 20 cm recorded maximum Capitulum diameter (15.13 cm), seed yield (2102 kg/ha). Stover yield (4287.92 kg/ha), oil content (42.27%) gross return (126.120 X 103INR/ha) highest net return (88.737x 103 INR/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.37%).

Assessment of Impact of Demonstrations on Vegetable Crops in Bundelkhand

During Kharif 2021, an investigation was carried out in Prathvipura village, block Babina, district Jhansi, and the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. A total of ten demonstrations on vegetables showed their production potential: bhindi, sponge gourd, brinjal, amaranth, and cowpea bean variety A-5, Pusa Sneha, Pusa Hara, Pusa Kiran, and Pusa Sukomal. Increased yields of 8.33, 9.38, 11.54, and 9.38 percent were recorded from bhindi, sponge gourd, brinjal, and cowpea crops, respectively, where the extension gap was 1500, 1500, 3000, and 1500 kg/ha. The technology gap was observed at 1000, 0, 4000, -50, and 5 kg/ha for cowpea, bhindi, brinjal, sponge gourd, and amaranth, where the technology index was 5.88, 0, 13.33, -0.31, and 3.85 percent, respectively. The highest net returns were observed for 95,000, 102,500, 120,500, 122,500, and 145,500 Rs from sponge gourd, amaranth, cowpea, bhindi, and brinjal, with cost-benefit ratios of 1.46, 2.73, 2.66, 2.13, and 2.32 after each rupee investment, followed by a local check.