Effects of front line demonstrations on pea (var. Prakash) yield and economics in the Koshi zone of Bihar

Abstract

The current study assessed the effectiveness of enhanced cultivars with scientific packages and techniques in terms of pea productivity, yield, and profitability. Frontline demonstrations were held in Sattarkattaiya and Sonbersa blocks of the district during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to evaluate the performance of prakash, a variety of pea, and to collect farmer feedback. The data revealed that the average yield of pea during frontline demonstrations was 17.84 and 18.41 q/ha, compared to 14.32 and 14.56 q/ha recorded in farmer's practice, resulting in a 24.58 and 26.44 percent increase, respectively. During consecutive years of research blocks, the benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of recommended practices (FLDs) was 2.89 and 2.91, compared to 2.49 and 2.45 in farmer practice. An average extension gap of 3.68 q/ha and an average technology gap of 3.87 q/ha were reported. As a result, the findings clearly show that the use of better varieties, packaging, and methods, together with scientific intervention under the frontline demonstration programme, contributes to increased pulse productivity and profitability in Bihar.