Impact of cluster frontline demonstrations on pulses productivity and profitability in farmer's field

The 175 and 35 cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on pigeon pea and chickpea were conducted by Mahayogi Gorakhnath Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh during 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through farmers meetings and group discussion. The findings in respect of pigeon pea and chickpea overall yield trend of demonstrations ranged from 12.77 to 17.32 q/ha and 17.56 to 19.23 q/ha and yield increase ranged from 36.70 to 42.55 per cent and 42.67 to 57.91 per cent over the local practices yield, respectively. The yield levels were considerably lower under local practices because of considerable variation in the extent of adoption of recommended technology depending upon the amount of risk involved in terms of cost, convenience, skill and knowledge about the concerned practice. Average extension gap, technology gap and technology index of pigeon pea and chickpea were found 4.07, 10.66 q/ha and 42.64 per cent and 5.87, 6.45 q/ha and 26.85 per cent, respectively. Average gross returns and net returns of demonstration in pigeon pea and chickpea crops were 39.63 and 57.42 per cent and 56.57 and 88.28 per cent higher than the farmers” practices respectively. Average benefit cost ratio was found higher throughout the study in pigeon pea and chickpea i.e. 3.47 and 3.27 respectively. Variations in the technology gap and index percentage were observed due to variation in agro-climatic parameters, soil fertility, biotic stresses, and socio-economic status and management practices. This variation can be narrowed down by encourage the farmers to adopt sustainable technological practices for enhancing the production and productivity of pulse crops. The performance of improved technology was found most effective in controlling least number of affected plants/m2 as well as least number of pods/plants with the application of pesticide. The productivity was better over local practice under demonstrations. Hence, pulses production and protection technology have a broad scope for increasing the area and production of pulses at each and every level i.e., Farmers, State and National level.