Higher Net Returns Research Articles

Evaluation of food and fodder based cropping systems for sustaining productivity, resource use efficiency and profitability in western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2015–16 to 2018–19 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh to assess the potential yield (PY), sustainability and resource use efficiency (RUE) of 7 cropping systems (CS), viz. maize + blackgram–pea–sorghum; cluster beanwheat-teosinte; stylo-berseem-maize + cowpea; clitoria-mustard–greengram; rice–chickpea–okra; rice–wheat and sugarcane–wheat system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Among the different cropping systems, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was found to be most superior in terms of wheat equivalent yield (WEY) (19.77 t/ha/year) and sustainable yield index (SYI=0.894). The highest land use efficiency (LUE) was recorded with cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–teosinte (Zea spp.) cropping system (95.16%) with 347 days of ground cover. Production efficiency was registered maximum with maize (Zea mays L.) + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]–pea (Pisum sativum L.)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] system (66.91 kg/ha/ day), followed by rice–chickpea–okra system (62.25 kg/ha/day). Nevertheless, the highest net return (` 300.8×103 / year) was realized with rice–chickpea–okra system. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) content was highest (1.34%) under stylo-berseem- maize + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system in comparison to other cropping systems. Thus, it can be concluded that rice–chickpea–okra system proved more productive, remunerative (` 824/ha/day) and sustainable cropping system than the existing sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)–wheat/ rice–wheat cropping system in the western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Integrated nutrient management and seed priming are viable options to enhance seed yield and quality in quinoa (Chinopodium quinoa Willd.)

A field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management and seed priming on seed yield and quality in quinoa. Experiment was laid out in a split plot design with twelve treatment combinations comprising four nutrient management practices i.e. no fertilizer (NM0), N45P23K30+2% FeSO4 (NM1), N45P23K30+2% DAP (NM2); and NC125+VC1250+PSB10+KSB10+AZ10 (NM3) as main-plot treatments and three pre-sowing seed priming technologies i.e. no seed priming (SP0), 1.5% Trichoderma harziannum (SP1) and, 20% Pseudomonas fluorescence (SP2) as sub-plot treatments. Results showed that application of NM2 and SP1 exhibited significantly higher plant height (19.5 and 7.2%), number of branches (40.5 and 11.6%), seed weight (12.9 and 4.6%), total dry matter (TDM) (30.5 and 3.9%), chlorophyll content (47.4 and 3.8%) and crude protein content (27.6 and 1.8%) over control. Cumulative effect of these parameters was exhibited in terms of highest yield potential (24.64 and 23.14q ha−1) (28.5 and 9.4% higher) and excellent seed/seedling quality and energy parameters along with highest net return (₹61974 and 55501 ha−1) and B:C ratio (2.55 and 2.22) over control. A positive significant correlation for seed yield was also observed with plant height (0.983), seed weight (0.990), TDM (0.955), chlorophyll content (0.950), protein content (0.946) and seed/seedling quality parameters. Overall, application of N45P23K30+2% DAP spray at pre-flowering stage along with pre-sowing seed priming with 1.5% Trichoderma harziannum is recommended as suitable strategy to improve yield and quality in quinoa under semi-arid conditions.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth Attributes and Yield of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] in Vindhya Plateau Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

In the Rabi season of 2022, a field experiment was conducted in the Vindhya plateau region of Madhya Pradesh at the agricultural field of SAGE University Bhopal. The objective was to investigate the impact of nitrogen and sulfur nutrition on the growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experimental soil, characterized as sandy loam with a slightly alkaline pH, exhibited good drainage. Despite having a moderate amount of available phosphorus and potassium, the soil had low levels of organic carbon and nitrogen, with a low electrical conductivity of 1.65 dS/m (1:2, soil: water).
 The experiment comprised 27 nitrogen and sulfur treatment combinations in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments included three nitrogen levels (100, 120, and 140 kg ha-1) and three sulfur levels (20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1). The mustard variety Giriraj was cultivated, and the study focused on evaluating the effects of these treatments on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake.
 Results indicated that various mustard crop attributes, such as plant height, number of green leaves-1, branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1, and 1000 seed weight, as well as yields (biological, seed, and oil yield), exhibited significant increases with rising nitrogen levels from 100 kg N ha-1 to 140 kg N ha-1. Similarly, applying 60 kg S ha-1 resulted in maximum plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter production, oil yield, and the highest net returns among sulfur levels.
 The combination of 140 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1 proved to be cost-effective, leading to increased yields, net returns, and a higher B:C ratio compared to other nitrogen and sulfur levels. Therefore, this study recommends the application of 60 kg S ha-1 and 140 kg N ha-1 for enhancing mustard crop yields, net returns, and the benefit-cost ratio.

Integrated Nutrient Management as a Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Strategy for Sustainable Fruit Production in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

ABSTRACT Prolonged and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in serious harm to soil health and ecosystems. This study aimed to reduce the cultivation costs for apricot trees, nearly 1/3rd of which are spent on fertilizers. The research was conducted on fully grown apricot trees of the cultivar “New Castle,” in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatment combinations evaluated in triplicate and statistically analyzed using a randomized block design (RBD). Results revealed that treatment T12 [50% Nitrogen (Calcium Nitrate) + 50% Nitrogen (Urea) + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + Vermicompost] resulted in the highest percent increase in tree trunk girth (6.82%), highest leaf chlorophyll content (3.00 mg g−1 fresh weight), leaf area (58.29 cm), fruit set (61.00%) and total yield (61.9 kg tree−1). In terms of nutrient status, T12 had the highest leaf N (2.95%), leaf K (2.60%), soil N (386.33 kg ha−1), soil P (51.00 kg ha−1) and soil organic carbon (1.81%). The highest net return and profit over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was also recorded in treatment T12. The results of this study show that judicious fertilizer use along with integrated organic manure and bio-fertilizers can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil health, and increase fruit production with minimum ecosystem damage.

Effect of Organic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Vegetable Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in Organic Farming

An experiment was conducted on vegetable cluster bean variety Pusa Navbharat to find out the effect of organic sources of nitrogen on growth, yield and economics of vegetable cluster bean. This experiment was conducted in certified organic plot for the three years (2020, 2021, 2022) during semi rabi season at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, AAU, Khambholaj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. There were eight treatments viz., T1: No manures (Control) , T2: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through FYM, T3: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through Vermi compost, T4: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through Castor cake, T5: Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB), T6: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through FYM + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB), T7: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through Vermi compost + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB) and T8: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through Castor cake + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB). Plant height, green pod yield, its related traits and crude protein content in pods were recorded every year and pooled analysis was carried out. There was significant difference observed for green pod yield and its related traits. Whereas, plant height and crude protein content in pods was remain non-significant for different organic sources of nitrogen. Application of N equivalent of 20kg/ha through FYM recorded maximum yield and its related traits with higher net return.

Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and seed quality of garden pea

In the post-era of the green revolution, the productivity of crops has been increased by massive application of agro-chemicals that has disturbed harmony existing in the ecosystem. As a legume crop, garden pea is gaining attention towards organic farming systems. Seeds produced organically are better adaptable to organic growing conditions. A field experiment was laid out with three replications, comprising of twelve treatment combinations of different levels of FYM and jeevamrit during Rabi season of 2020-21. Seeds of cv. ‘Punjab-89’ were sown at a spacing of 60 cm × 7.5 cm after inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB. FYM was applied at the time of sowing. Jeevamrit was applied treatment-wise as soil drenching at an interval of 15 days starting from 30 days after sowing. Combined application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 and jeevamrit @ 10% drenching resulted in maximum plant height (80.63 cm), pod length (8.84 cm), number of pods per plant (21.33), number of seeds per pod (8.07), gross seed yield (12.56 q ha-1), graded seed yield (11.31 q ha-1), speed of germination (8.68 days), 100 seed weight (17.51 g), seed germination (88.33%), minimum powdery mildew severity (25.33%) and lowest EC of seed (15.26 μS cm-1) along with highest net returns (₹ 195567.5 ha-1).

Yield response and economic evaluation of drip-fertigated muskmelon cultivated under mulched conditions

A study was carried out to standardize the moisture regime (irrigation) and fertigation (N:P:K levels) for improved crop establishment, plant growth, yield and fruit quality of muskmelon under drip irrigation cum fertigation and mulching during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The treatments included three levels of drip irrigation viz. 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 80% of ETc and 60% of ETc , with and without silver black polythene plastic mulching in main plots and three levels of fertigation viz. 100% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 80% of RDF and 60% of RDF in subplots. Drip irrigation at 100% of ETc and fertigation at 100% of RDF with mulching helped to improve the vine length, number of primary branches, average fruit weight, diameter and yield when compared with conventional (control) as well as other treatments. These results were statistically at par with that obtained under drip irrigation at 80% of ETc and fertigation at 80% of RDF with mulching. The yield under drip fertigation varied from 168.8-202.8 q/ha, which is about 16.5% higher as compared to conventional treatment. Drip fertigation under mulched conditions resulted in 17.2% higher net returns as compared to conventional treatment. Thus, it may be concluded that drip fertigation at 80% of ETc and fertigation at 80% of RDF with plastic mulching is beneficial for improving productivity of muskmelon with about 80.9% and 20.0% saving of water and fertilizers as compared to conventional method in the present study region

Comparative Effect of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Performance of Fodder Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrids

Aims: To evaluate different nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019
 Methodology: Ten nutrient management practices i.e. absolute control (T1), 5% Jeevamrit (T2), 10% Jeevamrit (T3), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit (T4), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit (T5), 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T6), 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T7), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T8), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T9) and recommended NPK through inorganic sources (T10) were tested in randomized block design with three replications.
 Results: The results indicated that integrated nutrient management i.e. 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK through inorganic sources remaining at par resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number, leaf stem ratio, percent proportion), higher fodder yield (green and dry fodder yields), NPK uptake and crude protein yield than rest of the organic (10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit and Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit) nutrient management treatments. Application of recommended NPK resulted in highest net returns (79049 INR/ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.09).
 Conclusion: Integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids appeared best practices for realising higher yield than organic and natural farming nutrient management practices.

IMPACT OF FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION OF SRI METHOD IN RICE ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

Gujarat Vidyapith, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-Valsad conducted an impact study during the year 2020-21 to 2022-23 with the 120 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on system of rice intensification (SRI) technique in paddy crop on farmer`s field in six villages of Valsad district with improved variety “Sardar” release from Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. Result of study showed SRI method of rice cultivation, increased overall, 23.62 percent in mean grain yield as compared to farmer practice, recorded mean of technology gap was 910 kg ha-1 whereas extension gap and technology index were observed 780 kg ha-1 and 18.2 % respectively. High mean gross return (61,350 Rs.ha-1) and mean net return (27,637 Rs.ha-1) as well as BC ratio (1.82) were found higher under demonstration plots. The results of FLDs revealed that SRI technique is far better than conventional technique of rice cultivation. SRI can be a way to enhance sustain productivity and profitability of rice growers of Valsad district of Gujarat.

Studies of Farmer Participatory on Machine Transplanting of Rice

Front line demonstration on machine transplanting of rice were organised in Telangana state. A total of 20 Front Line demonstrations were organized in 20 ha. Best management practices of Rice production were demonstrated for getting higher net returns in both machine transplanted rice and manual transplanted rice. The demonstrations got yield of 6874 kg/ha. The manual transplanting recorded an average of 6530 kg/ha. Average cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio of machine transplanted rice was recorded as Rs. 49474/ha, 13090/ha, 81435/ha and 2.7 respectively over the manual transplanting Rs.54138/ha, Rs.124528/ha, Rs.70391 and 2.3. Machine transplanting of rice is the successful technology for reaping higher returns to overcome labour shortage and for timely transplanting.

Effect of Natural Farming, Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Fodder Oat

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.) during Rabi 2021-2022 to study the effect of natural farming, organic, inorganic and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of fodder oat. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, comprising of six nutrient management treatments. Inorganic nutrient management and integrated nutrient management (FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers) behaving alike resulted in significantly better crop growth (plant height, numbers of shoots per square meter and dry matter accumulation) and higher fodder yield (green and dry) as compared to farmer’s practice(FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + 25 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers), organic nutrient management (FYM @ 10 t/ha + Jeevamrit) and natural farming nutrient management (Beejamrit + Jeevamrit + mulching) treatments. Inorganic nutrient management proved most profitable with highest net returns and net returns per rupee invested.

Growth and Productivity of Castor as Influenced by Millet Based Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2022 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the influence of millet based intercropping systems on growth and productivity of castor under irrigated situation. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. The treatment consist of nine cropping systems viz., castor + foxtail millet (1:3), castor + proso millet (1:3), castor + little millet (1:3), castor + kodo millet (1:3), paired row castor + foxtail millet (2:4), paired row castor + proso millet (2:4), paired row castor + little millet (2:4), paired row castor + kodo millet (2:4), sole castor. Experimental results revealed that the different millet based cropping systems significantly influenced growth and productivity of castor. Sole castor was recorded the highest growth, yield parameters and seed yield (20.98 q/ha). Among the millet based intercropping systems, maximum values of growth parameters viz., plant height (170.20 cm), number of branches/plant (7.90), stem girth (8.70 cm) and dry matter production (29.83 q/ha) were recorded in the paired row castor + proso millet (2:4) and it was on par with paired row castor + foxtail millet (2:4). Similarly, yield and yield attributing characters viz., number of spike/plant (28.2), number of capsule/ spike (55.8), highest length of primary branch (40.1 cm) and seed yield (20.03 q/ha) was obtained in paired row castor + proso millet (2:4) and it was comparable paired row castor + foxtail millet (2:4). The economic study revealed that the higher net return and benefit cost ratio was obtained from paired row castor + foxtail millet (2:4) (₹. 74,842.00 and 2.30) and paired row castor + proso millet (2:4) ((₹. 72,702.00 and 2.26). From this study, it was concluded that proso millet and foxtail millet were indentified to be compatible intercrops with castor for improved productivity.

Integrated Weed Management in Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.): An Experimental Investigation

An experiment entitled Integrated Weed Management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted at Shradhay Bhagwati Singh Agriculture Research Farm, Hajipur, Chandra Bhanu Gupta Post Graduate College, B.K.T., LUCKNOW (U.P.) during Kharif season of 2022-2023. The treatment comprised of 9 weed management practices. Weedy check till maturity, Weed free upto 60 DAT, Pretilachlor 50 % EC @ 1.25 kg a.i/ha (PE), Pendimethaline 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i/ha (PE), Pendimethaline 30 % EC @ 1.0 kg a.i/ha + 1 hand weeding at 30DAT, Pendimethaline 30 % EC @1.0 kg a.i/ha (PE) + Bispyribac Sodium 10 % SC @ 25 g a.i/ha (POE), Pretilachlor 50 % EC @1.0 kg a.i/ha + 1 hand weeding At 35DAT, Two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAT, Pretilachlor 5 0 % E C @ 1.0 kg a.i/ha (PE) + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g a.i/ha (POE). Weed free up to 60 DAT resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield over result of the treatments. The highest weed control efficiency was recorded with weed free up to 60 DAT. However, the highest weed Index was recorded with weedy check and lowest being with weed free up to 60 DAT. The highest net returns (Rs. 58, 218.31/ha) was recorded by weed free up to 60 DAT and highest B:C ratio was recorded by Pretilachlor 50 % E C @ 1.0 kg a.i/ha (PE) + Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC @ 25 g a.i/ha (POE).

Response of Sesame Growth and Yield to Jivamrut

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, to study the “Response of sesame growth and yield to jivamrut” during kharif season of 2020 with Seven treatment combinations comprising, three levels of jivamrut, two time of application of jivamrut and one control (No jivamrut) were evaluated in randomized block design (in a factorial arrangement) with single control and replicated four times. The results of present investigation revealed that significantly the highest plant height and branches per plant were found with application of jivamrut. Levels of jivamrut and time of application of jivamrut were found non-significant with respect to plant height. Time of application of jivamrut was found significant with respect to branches per plant but levels of jivamrut was found non-significant. The yield attributes of sesame viz., number of capsules per plant, test weight, seed yield and stalk yield were found significant due to application of jivamrut, levels of jivamrut and time of application of jivamrut. Application of jivamrut was found significant but levels and time of application of jivamrut were found non-significant with respect to number of seeds per capsule. Application jivamrut provided significantly higher seed (556 kg/ha) and stalk (1425 kg/ha) yields of sesame, in case of levels of jivamrut (L3) 1000 lit/ha recorded significantly higher seed (607 kg/ha) and stalk (1513 kg/ha) yields of sesame and application of jivamrut at 20 days interval recorded significantly higher seed (647 kg/ha) and stalk (1708 kg/ha) yields as well as higher net return and benefit: cost ratio also found with this (L3) and 20 days interval. Interaction was found non-significant for yield attributes and yield.

Effect of different organic inputs on agronomic and economic performance of sesame under rainfed conditions of North Maharashtra

A field experiment was conducted at Oilseeds Research Station, MPKV, Jalgaon to assess the performance of most suitable organic source for sesame production and its economics during the kharif season of 2021. Application of FYM on N equivalent basis + foliar application of 3% Panchgavya at flowering and capsule formation stage + Foliar application of Pseudomonas and Azotobactor 2 lit /ha both + soil application of Pseudomonas and Azotobactor (2.5 lit /ha + 200 kg FYM) recorded numerically higher seed yield ( 568 kg/ ha) over rest of the treatments, whereas higher net returns ( 26078/ha) and B: C ratio of 2.13 was obtained under application of RDF ( 50 % N as basal and remaining 50 % in 2 split doses) over rest of the organic sources.

Economics of Cabbage Production Under Different Levels of Integrated Nutrient Management in Varanasi Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The excess use of chemical fertilizers is hazardous for soil and environmental health. To reduce the level of chemical fertilizers the field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2016-17 at horticulture research farm, Department of Horticulture, U. P. College, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments. These treatments were replicated thrice. The treatments included various levels of NPK, FYM, vermicompost, Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza. Economic analysis of different treatments of cabbage production in Varanasi region (Uttar Pradesh) revealed variation in net capital investment. The results show that among different integrated nutrient management (INM) levels, half dose of NPK ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5kg ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 has highest net return followed by half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 tons ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Lowest net return was observed with half dose treatment of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1. Cabbage crop nutrition by supplying recommended dose of NPK ha-1 (150 kg: 125 kg: 100 kg) recorded highest cost-benefit ratio (3.11) while, half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 gives lowest cost-benefit ratio (2.05) among the all INM levels.

Harvesting of tender coconuts improves yields and profitability of coconut farming in India

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted at Kasaragod, Kerala, India for six years to study the impact of different coconut harvesting treatments on growth, yield and return. The treatments were; harvesting tender nuts from January to June and mature nuts from July to December, harvesting tender nuts from July to December and mature nuts from January to June, harvesting tender nuts throughout the year, harvesting tender nuts in alternate years, harvesting alternate bunches for tender nuts and harvesting of mature nuts throughout the year. The results showed that palms that underwent tender nut harvesting throughout the year, compared with harvesting mature nuts throughout the year, recorded high yields (175 nuts/palm), three times high net returns, and 68.7% high energy use efficiency. This study demonstrated the potential of harvesting tender nuts to improve the profitability and energy balance of coconut production.

An Evaluation of the Use of Drills and Transplanted Paddy Cultivation Techniques in Bhandara District of Maharashtra, India

In order to compare the costs, savings, and returns for the drill and transplanted methods of paddy cultivation, the current study, was conducted as a Research Review Committee Project in the Bhandara district of Nagpur division in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. The method utilized was an exploratory social research design. Using the purposive population sampling technique method, a total of 72 sample paddy-growing beneficiary farmers from KVK, Sakoli Dist. Bhandara were chosen, and they were interrogated using a structured interview schedule. As a result, this study was limited to a sample of 72 paddy growers who were cultivating their paddy crops using both the transplanted and drill paddy methods. Findings of present study revealed that majority of the paddy growers were young with high education level, possessed small and marginal type of land holding with annul income in the range of Rs.75001/- to 1,50,000/-, medium level of scientific orientation,economic motivation,innovativeness respectively and favourable attitude towards to drill paddy technology. Further the findings of the study revealed that the highest gross returns received to farmers adopting were Rs. 85807.50/- and 81000.80/- per ha for transplanted and drill paddy cultivation methods respectively. The highest net returns at Cost A realized by the paddy farmers adopting drill paddy method of cultivation i.e. Rs.54738.28 per hectare. The highest benefit cost ratio (BC ratio) was released by the farmers adopting drill method of paddy cultivation at Cost A, Cost B and Cost C respectively.

Deployment of fine and coarse grain rice cultivars in time and space for increased productivity

To examine the impact of mixture ratio and temporal deployment of fine and coarse grain cultivars on rice productivity and profitability, two experiments were carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University. In both investigations, two monsoon rice cultivars viz., Binadhan-13 (a tall, late-maturing, fine-grained) and Dhani Gold (a semi-dwarf, mid-maturing, coarse-grained) were utilized. In the 1st experiment, rice cultivars were planted in different mixture ratios viz., sole Binadhan-13, sole Dhani Gold, 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:4 and 4:2 ratio of Binadhan-13 to Dhani Gold. The second study included the introducing time of Dhani Gold viz., seven days before or after or same day of Binadhan-13, sole Binadhan-13 and sole Dhani Gold. Three replications of the randomized complete block design were used for both trials. In the first experiment, both cultivars produced more when grown in mixtures as opposed to solitary cultures. Even though Dhani Gold's sole culture had the greatest yield, it was statistically equivalent to combined yields when Binadhan-13 and Dhani Gold were grown together in mixtures at 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 ratios. The maximum net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were achieved when Binadhan-13 and Dhani Gold were planted in mixture following a 4:2 ratio as opposed to when Binadhan-13 was grown solely. In the second experiment, a sole cultivar generated less yield than cultivars that were transplanted on the same day, before, and after another cultivar. Cultivation of sole Binadhan-13 produced the lowest net return and minimum BCR (1.37), while the highest net return and BCR (1.81) was recorded when Dhani Gold was planted seven days before Binadhan-13 in mixture. A clear economic advantage of mixed culture with temporal deployment over the sole culture of either cultivar was evident. Therefore, transplanting Dhani Gold in a 1:1 ratio seven days before Binadhan-13 may be advised for greater output and economic return.

Assessing the Different Bio-priming Methods and Knowledge Dissemination through On Farm Trial in Salem District

One of the most important pre sowing seed improvement techniques for managing biotic and abiotic challenges is seed bio-priming, which ensures uniform stand establishment under adverse conditions. "Bio-priming" seed treatment combines biological (inoculating seeds with protective organisms) and physiological (hydrating seeds) components of vigour improvement, disease management. Recently, it has been employed as an alternate technique for not only to eradicate numerous soil- and seed-borne diseases but also improves the field establishment and vigour. In the current study, an On-Farm Trial bhendi seeds were soaked with two biopriming treatments Viz., (i) 10% Pseudomonas fluorecens, (ii) 10% Trichoderma viridi, for 6 hours followed by shade drying and sown in farmers' fields during kharif, 2020. Untreated seeds served as the control. The findings showed that 10% Pseudomonas fluorescens outperformed than Trichoderma and untreated seed in terms of yield (172.5 q/ha), net return (Rs. 2,58,750/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (2.59), The 10% Trichoderma primed seeds, which was the next-best treatment, had high yields, net returns, and BCR values of 169.8q/ha, Rs. 2,54,700/ha, and 2.56 respectively. So, it was concluded that bioprimingof seeds with 10% Pseudomonas fluorescens for six hours increased the production of bhendi. The dissemination of extension activities like training and method demonstration increased the understanding of farmers about biopriming from 5.4 to 52.5 percent.