Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Changthang region of Leh, Ladakh

Mustard is an important oil seed crop of India which provides edible oils, green vegetables, condiments and animal feed. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nyoma-Leh, Ladakh conducted cluster frontline demonstrations on mustard to evaluate the outcome of technology interventions with the aim to increase the area, production, productivity and self-sufficiency. The results of two years study revealed that average yield of mustard under demonstration plots was 7.82 q/ha as compared to 6.58 q/ha in farmer’s traditional practices which was 19.06 per cent more as compared to traditional practices. Further, results of the study revealed that average additional yield (1.24 q), additional returns (Rs. 4371), effective gain (Rs. 4236) and benefit: cost ratio (1.43) from one hectare was obtained under demonstrations as compared to traditional practices. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were found to be 7.18 q/ha, 1.23 q/ha and 47.87 per cent, respectively. Whereas overall adoption level of mustard production technology by the partner farmers was 62.09 per cent. It may be concluded that the adoption of improved production technologies of mustard leads to increase the productivity, productive, economically viable and feasible to local conditions as compared to existing farmer’s practice.