Brassica juncea L. based diversification approaches and operational practices for productivity and economics under eastern zone of Haryana

Cluster frontline demonstrations technology for production potential of latest improved technology of mustard crop covering 205.68 ha area were carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra at 354 farmers' fields in Karnal district of Haryana during five consecutive Rabi seasons 2017-18 to 2021-22. The critical inputs were identified in improved production technology through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) of adopted villages.Traditional farmers' practices were treated as control treatment for comparison with recommended practices treatments.The average yield of mustard under latest improved technology ranged from 16.0 to 21.50 q/ha as compared to 12.30 to 16.00 q/ha under farmers practice. The maximum seed yield (21.50 q/ha) was in 2018-19, and was 34.37 per cent more over the farmers practice. The average yield registered 29.09 percent higher over the farmers practice. The average of technology gap, extension gap and technology index were found to be 11.21 q /ha, 4.09 q/ha and 36.85 per cent respectively. The perceived technical gap may be due to differences in crop management practices, soil fertility and agro-climatic situation of Karnal district. The extension gap suggested the need to aware the farmers through various extension system for the adoption of latest improved technologies. Average net profitability was Rs. 53709/ha as compared with farmers practices (Rs. 37527/ha) and average benefit cost ratio i.e., 3.13 and 2.58 in demonstrated field and farmers practice respectively.