Impact of front line demonstrations on yield and economics of onion set planting technology in Pune district

Abstract

The Present study was carried out at Pune district of Maharashtra during January 2017. Front line demonstrations were conducted on onion by the active participation of 100 farmers with the objective of improved technologies of onion production potential. The improved technologies consist onion set planting technology, improved varieties (Baswant-780 and Phule samarth) and integrated pest and disease management, etc. In onion set planting production technology sowing of onion seed was done and bulbs were produced. These bulbs were stored in a shadow/shade for 2-3 months. After a storage period bulb selection was done and planted in field to obtain onion production. Demonstrations recorded the average onion yield of Phule Samarth as 45.00 quintal acre-1 and Baswant-780 as 40.16 quintal acre-1 in demonstration plot as against 43.46 quintal acre-1 of Phule Samarth and 38.34 quintal acre-1 of Baswant-780 in farmer practice. In Phule Samarth maximum yield was 49.00 quintal acre-1 and minimum 40.00 quintal acre-1 whereas, in Baswant 780 maximum yield was 44.00 quintal acre-1 and minimum yield 36.00 quintal acre-1 were obtained from demonstrations. The higher Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.09 in Phule Samarth and 1.07 in Baswant-780 was obtained in demonstrations as against 1.06 in Phule Samarth and 1.04 in Baswant-780 in farmers practice.