Impact of frontline demonstration on yield enhancement of turmeric

Fifty six demonstrations were conducted during 2004–05 to 2011–12 in different villages of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya to disseminate the production technology of high yielding (237.6 q/ha) Megha Turmeric 1 variety having high curcumin content (6.8%). Field diagnostic visits, regular surveys, farmer meetings and training programmes ensured application of balanced and optimum doses of nutrients and timely plant protection measures. These activities ensured higher yield over local practice of cultivation in the range of 26.5–39.4 per cent. An average net profit of Rs 3,05,302 was recorded under recommended practice while it was Rs 1,27,071.3 under farmers’ practice. Benefit/cost ratio ranged from 3.2 to 4.1 under demonstration while it ranged from 2.1 to 3.1 under control plots. With frontline demonstration (FLD) of proven technology it could be shown that yield potential and net income from turmeric cultivation could be enhanced to a great extent resulting in higher income to the farming community.