Evaluation of cluster frontline demonstrations on soybean productivity and profitability under Vidarbha condition of Maharashtra

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on Soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity and profitability in Buldhana district of Maharashtra (MS.) during 2020-21 to 2024-25. A total of 400 (160 ha area) demonstrations were conducted on farmers’ fields using improved varieties KDS-726 (2020-21 and 2021-22), AMS-1001 (2022-23) and AMS-100-39 (2023-24 and 2024-25) under recommended improved package practices. The results revealed that a consistently increase in soybean yield under CFLDs oilseed with a mean yield of 19.78 q//ha compared to 15.96 q//ha in local checks, registering an average yield advantage of 19.12%. The mean of technology gap was 5.69 q/ha, while the extension gap averaged 3.19 q/ha.The technology index ranged from 15.48% to 29.08% over the local check across the study period that indicating the feasibility and adoption potential of the demonstrated technology, with a decreasing trend suggesting growing farmer motivation to adopt improved practices. Economic analysis of demonstration plots significantly higher is mean of gross returns (₹82,397/ha) and net returns (₹62,967/ha) with benefit-cost ratio of 2.83 compared to than local check is mean of gross returns (₹65,909/ha) and net returns (₹ 47,292/ha) with benefit-cost ratio of 2.46, This integrated package of practices were attributed to the adoption of improved varieties of soybean, timely and consistently monitored cultivation practices. The field study resulted that CFLDs enhance the yield and profitability, recommending their integrate implementation under scientist supervision for r dissemination of improved cultivation practices of soybean and potential for good quality seed production on farm.