Impact of technological interventions of cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) on productivity and profitability of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) in Sahibganj district of Jharkhand

Abstract

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted to evaluate the performance of improved varieties along with scientific package and practices on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea during 2016-17 to 2019-20. Pigeonpea is an important kharif pulse crop in Sahibganj district of Jhakhand covering over 8,945 ha with average productivity of 4.44 q/ha which is well below the state average (11.47 q/ha) and national average (9.60 q/ha). Unavailability of improved variety as well as non-adoption of scientific cultivation practices in the district is one of the possible reasons for lower average productivity of pigeonpea in the district. To enhance productivity of pigeonpea through improved variety and scientific cultivation practices cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted during kharif season from 2016-17 to 2019-20. Performance of Pigeonpea varieties ICPL 87119 (Asha), Narendra Arhar 2 and Birsa Arhar-1 in 219 locations along with improved cultivation practices like line sowing, treatment of seed with fungicide and biofertilizer, balanced nutrition and weed management were evaluated in the district. It was observed that the yield of pigeonpea in CFLD under rainfed conditions ranged from 9.7 q to 11.2 q ha-1, whereas in FP it ranged between 6.4 to 7.1 q ha-1. The per cent increase in yield with improved practices (IP) over FP was recorded in the range of 48.5 to 61.5. The extension gap and technological index were ranging between 3.3 to 4.1 q ha-1 and 37.7 to 46.1 per cent, respectively. The trend of technology gap reflected the farmer’s cooperation in carrying out demonstrations with encouraging results in subsequent years. The benefit cost ratio varied from 2.18 to 2.48 under demonstration, while it was 1.77 to 1.87 under farmer’s practice. Therefore, the results clearly indicate that the use of improved variety and package of practice with scientific intervention under cluster frontline demonstration programme contribute to increase the productivity and profitability.