Enhancing green gram yield through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) in Sirsa district of Haryana

Abstract

Green gram is a popularly growing pulse crop in Haryana, extensively cultivated by farmers using rice-wheat or rice-potato cropping systems. Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on green gram were conducted in selected villages of Sirsa district under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - Pulses during 2021, 2022, and 2023. The primary goal was to boost pulse production in the region. The data from these demonstrations highlighted significant technological and extension gaps. Technological gaps ranged from 2.5 to 3.75 quintals per hectare, while extension gaps varied between 1.25 and 1.5 quintals per hectare. These gaps arose due to differences in cultivation practices between the demonstration plots and traditional farmer practices. The lowest yields recorded from traditional practices were 6.5 q/ha in 2021, 5.5 q/ha in 2022, and 5 q/ha in 2023. In contrast, the CFLD plots achieved higher yields, with 8 q/ha in 2021, 6.5 q/ha in 2022, and 6 q/ha in 2023. The average yield in CFLD plots increased by up to 20% in 2023 compared to the check plots. Furthermore, the net returns from the demonstration plots were significantly higher, reaching ?33,600, compared to the lowest net returns of ?22,925 from traditional practices. This underscores the economic benefits of adopting improved cultivation methods.