Impact of front line demonstration on the yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Banswara district of Rajasthan

Abstract

Cluster Front Line demonstrations (CFLDs) is a unique approach to provide an direct interface between researcher and farmers as the scientists are directly involved in planning, execution and monitoring of the demonstrations. The present study was conducted to assess the Impact of Front Line Demonstration on the yield and economics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Banswara district of Rajasthan. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a highly nutritious grain legume crop and is widely appreciated as health food as well as high return crop. Cluster Front line demonstrations were conducted at 138 farmers’ fields under 55 ha, to demonstrate production potential and economic benefits of improved technologies. The results shows that demonstrations produced on an average 16.50 q/ha grain yield of chickpea, which was 34.36 per cent higher as compared to prevailing local check (12.30 q/ha). The front line demonstrations fetched more average gross returns (Rs.78653/ha), net return (Rs. 44853/ha) and B:C ratio (2.33) with slightly higher investment on cost of cultivation (Rs.4067/ha) as compared to local check. The increase in gross and net returns was in the tune of Rs.19, 970 and Rs. 15,903 per hectare with incremental benefit: cost ratio of 0.36. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index was 4.2 q/ha, 7.63 q/ha and 31.43 per cent, respectively.