Impact assessment of front line demonstrations on greengram in Barmer district of western Rajasthan

Front line demonstrations on greengram were carried out at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barmer (Rajasthan) to know the yield gaps between improved package of practices (IP) under Front Line Demonstration (FLD) and farmer's practice (FP) during Kharif seasons of 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–14. About 33.5 percent higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations over the farmers’ practices. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were observed to be 166 kg per ha, 238.5 kg per ha and 26.5%, respectively. Yield gaps can be further minimized by crop technology demonstration. Data on technology index reduced from 35.1% in 2011–12 to 7.87% in 2013–14 exhibited the feasibility of the technology demonstration. An additional return of Rs. 6681 per ha was obtained with an additional investments of Rs.2049 per ha. It was contributed due to scientific management and monitoring of demonstrations and use of other non-monetary inpust. Fluctuating MSP and of greengram during different years also influenced the economic returns per unit area. On average basis, the incremental benefit: cost ratio was found as 3.26 under demonstration. By conducting front line demonstration of proven technologies, yield potential of greengram crop could be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.