Cluster Frontline Demonstrations: A tool for Productivity Enhancement and Dissemination of Technologies for Rapeseed and Mustard in Northern Region

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana conducted the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on oilseed to increase productivity and farmer income in this Zone during 2015–16. In rapeseed & mustard the low production and productivity of local varieties is considered as one of the major constraints of traditional mustard farming which has created gap between demand and supply of edible oil. Thus, 6 KVKs of the Haryana and 1 KVK of Jammu & Kashmir conducted the CFLDs on mustard crop. For conducting the demonstrations the KVKs were guided to follow up the recommended and latest technologies i.e. latest variety, seed treatment with bavistin and biofertilizer (Azatobacter) and integrated crop management. However, in particular KVK, salt tolerant variety and foliar spray of Boron & Sulphur were also followed. For dissemination of these technologies, total 49 extension activities were conducted across the states of this zone in which 2681 farmers actively participated. In Haryana, RH-0749 variety was used in 300 FLDs on an area of 120 ha while CS-56 variety was demonstrated under salt conditions in Rewari district. This resulted in increment of the yield by 20.21 per cent over the local check in Haryana. In Haryana, maximum yield was recorded in Bhiwani followed by Jhajjar district. Similarly, in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir; 31.58 per cent higher yield was recorded under rainfed conditions in 50 CFLDs on 20 ha.