Impact of cluster front line demonstrations on productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present study was conducted in Bhagalpur district of Bihar to evaluate the improved technologies of chickpea production through cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) at the farmers’ field. In all, 128 demonstrations were carried out during rabi, 2015–16. Improved technologies of chickpea comprised of the use of improved variety (GNG 1581), seed treatment with Rhizobium (20g/kg seed), carbendazim (2.5 g/kg seed), recommended dose of manures and fertilizer application, integrated pest management (pheromone trap at 10–12 traps/ha) practices and integrated crop management (ICM). CFLD with improved production technologies had yielded 11.2 q/ha which was 17.9% higher as compared to farmer's practice (9.50 q/ha). In spite of increase in yield of chickpea, extension gap and technology index existed. Improved production technologies of CFLD gave higher net return (` 46250/ha) with maximum benefit cost ratio (3.53) as compared to farmers’ practices (3.20).