Strengthening the livelihoods security through technological interventions by frontline demonstrations of papaya (Carica papaya L.) production in the Pali district of Rajasthan

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) has a great nutritional and therapeutic value. It is a significant fruit crop and grown on about 960 acres area in the Pali district of Rajasthan. The district’s average papaya production is excellent, but farmers were having trouble growing the fruit due to a shortage of good seed and seedlings, pollination issues and a lack of advanced knowledge of papaya plant protection, which led to low productivity and a reduced rate of return on investment. Therefore, 36 farmers participated for three years (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2022-23) in a front line demonstration programme that was conducted by ICAR-CAZRI, KVK, Pali in five villages of the Raipur block. They received high-quality training in various facets of papaya production as well as technical advice for agricultural inputs. The outcome of present case studied was, the Red-Lady variety of papaya recorded the average higher yield (71.05 tonnes ha^-1) as contrast to farmers practice (43.25 tonnes ha^-1) conventionally acquire by the farmers. Nearly 64.37 % rise in the yield over farmers exercise was observed with the highest net return (7,65,868 ¹ ha^-1) and benefit: cost ratio (3.55). The Taiwan Red-Lady papaya cultivar has altered the way of life for some papaya producers in the Pali-Marwar district. Due to its exceptional fruit quality, long shelf life, hermaphrodite character, productivity, and economic benefits, this variety has made a considerable contribution.