Promotion of Kodo millet through frontline demonstrations

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance the adoption of Kodo millet cultivation by implementing Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 across selected farms, under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mankapur Gonda, affiliated with Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. FLDs are recognized as a vital extension tool for transferring agricultural innovations. The primary goal was to promote scientific cultivation techniques to achieve improved yields and profitability per unit area. Kodo millet, botanically known as Paspalum scrobiculatum L., is also referred to as cow grass, rice grass, or ditch millet and is cultivated extensively in parts of India and abroad. The grain is noted for its high nutritional value and therapeutic benefits in managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac ailments, asthma, and post-menopausal symptoms. The trials employed Kodo variety RK 390-25, while traditional farmer practices utilized local varieties. Both demonstration and control plots received recommended N:P:K fertilizer applications at 20:20:20 kg/ha. However, only the demonstration plots were treated with PSB biofertilizer prior to sowing. Conducted over a total area of 2.0 hectares involving 15 farmers, the FLDs showed a mean yield of 17.66 q/ha compared to 14.74 q/ha under traditional practices, reflecting a 19.81% yield increase. Demonstration plots also recorded superior net returns (Rs. 38,383/ha) and a higher benefit-cost ratio (2.84) relative to the farmer’s practice (Rs. 23,343/ha and 2.45, respectively).