Impact of frontline demonstration on weed management on yield and economics of maize in coastal belt of Odisha

Abstract

Climate change poses serious threats to global food security, particularly in coastal areas where irregular rainfall, increasing temperatures, and increased frequency of extreme weather events affect agricultural output. Maize farming in Odisha's coastal region is becoming more sensitive to climate change, causing problems including weed growth, soil moisture stress, and nutrient imbalances. Uncontrolled weed growth competes with maize for key supplies, resulting in significant production losses. In this context, a front-line demonstration (FLD) was of conducted on the post-emergence application of Tembotrione 100 g/ha + Atrazine 500 g/ha at 20 DAS over farmers practice of hand weeding 30 DAS during Rabi 2023-24 at two villages of Puri district. Demonstration plot with application of Tembotrione 100 g/ha + Atrazine 500 g/ha at 20 DAS recorded longest cob with length (18.1 cm) and diameter (27.22 cm) and maximum number of grains/cob (388) with cob yield 68.4 q/ha, net return (Rs. 72456/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.03) over farmers practice of hand weeding at 30 DAS. Further lowering environmental impacts and supporting SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), SDGs 13 (Climate Action), and SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is the reduction of pesticide dependency through precision agriculture, organic mulching, and mechanical weed control.