Impact Assessment of Cluster Front Line Demonstration on Rapeseed and Mustard in Samastipur, Bihar

Oilseeds are expected to play an increasing role in future food supply. To address the importance of oilseed production, the Government of India has devised a programme through FLD in cluster mode under National Food Security Mission through KVKs. Rapeseed has been the most preferred oilseed in Samastipur district during rabi season. The present study was conducted to revive the rapeseed and mustard cultivation by employing new cultivars by KVK, Samastipur. It was carried out in different blocks of the district during 2016-17 to 2017-18. In this Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLD) programme, the variety Rajendra Suflam was used during each year for 68 and 52 clusters, respectively. These demonstrations recorded higher average grain yield (12.4 and 14.35 q/ha) of rapeseed-mustard as compared to average yield obtained from farmers’ practice (7.80 and 10.12 q/ha) accounting for yield escalation of about 37 and 29 per cent during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Similarly, the benefit: cost ratio was 1.55 and 1.65 for each year. The technology gap (q/ha), extension gap (q/ha) and technology index (%) were 3.90, 4.60 and 23.92 during 2016-17 and 1.95, 4.23 and 11.96 in 2017-18.