Yield and extension gap analysis through cluster frontline demonstrations in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) crop under Jammu conditions

Sesame is one of the major oilseed crops cultivated in rainfed areas of India, which plays a major role in supplementing the income of small and marginal farmers of Jammu district of J and K state. It is cultivated in the kharif season. One of the major constraints of sesame crop farming is low productivity due to use of local varieties and other factors. Under CFLD programme on oilseeds, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jammu conducted total 100 number of front line demonstrations (CFLDs) on farmer’s fields in Jammu district for two consecutive years (2021-22 to 2022-23). The cumulative effect of the technological intervention over two years gave an average yield of 5.40 q/ha which was higher over farmer’s practices (4.60 q/ha). Prevailing farmer’s practices were treated as control for comparison with demonstrated technology. The yield attributing character of the variety i.e. number of pods per plant was higher (79.2 pods/plant) over farmer’s practice (67 pods/plant). On two years, average net return of Rs. 59075/ha obtained in recommended practices was substantially higher than farmer’s practices (Rs. 43875/ha). On an average Rs. 15200/ha as additional income is attributed to the technological intervention provided in demonstration plots i.e. recommended practices. The extension gap ranged between 0.65-0.95 q/ha, whereas the trend of technology gap ranged between 4.2 to 5.0 q/ha. The benefit cost ratio (B:C) was recorded higher under demonstrated practice (3.87), while it was 3.13 under check. The results of improved technological intervention brought out 17.39 per cent increase in yield of sesame.