Impact of FLDs Intervention on Yield and Economics of Paddy Cultivation

Sidhi is situated in Kaymore plateau and satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh. Paddy is one of the major kharif crop grown in district. Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down Front Line Demonstration in the year 20114-15 and 2015–16 introducing new, high yielding and scented variety “Sahbhagi” and applying scientific practices in their cultivation. The FLDs were carried out in village “Chabari” of Sidhi district in supervision of KVK scientist. The productivity and economic returns of paddy in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practices (local check). Improved practices recorded higher yield as compared to farmer's practices. The improved technology recorded higher yield of 30.83 q/ha and 32.65 q/ha in the year 2014–15 and 2015–16, respectively than 22.13 and 24.21 q/ha. The average yield increase was observed 37.15 per cent. In spite of increase in yield of paddy, technology gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return (37020 & 39180 /ha), net return (16820 & 18920 /ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.83 & 1.93) as compared to farmer's practices. The variation in per cent increase in the yield was found due to the poor management practices, lack of knowledge and poor socio economic condition. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the FLDs programmes were effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved package and practices of HYV of paddy adoption.