Impact Assessment of Front Line Demonstrations on Yield and Economics of Fodder Oats in Mid Hills of Jammu and Kashmir UT

Oats is the most important fodder crop of marginal and small farmers under mid hills of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir UT. Front line demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted in 32.8 ha area during rabi seasons of 2021-22 to 2023-24 (3 years) by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rajouri, J&K UT for the promotion of improved cultivation technology of oats with high yielding variety at farmers’ fields. Three years data showed that the average yield increased to 29.8 per cent over the farmers’ practice due to the adoption of the improved practices. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 170 q/ha, 69 q/ha and 36 per cent, respectively. Furthermore, the economics of the demonstrations and farmers practice showed an increased net returns of Rs. 40258/ha with benefit cost ratio of 2.84 in demonstrated plots over conventional plots where it was Rs. 26842/ha and B:C ratio of 2.29, respectively. By conducting front line demonstrations of the proven technologies, the yield potential of the oats as a fodder crop could be enhanced to a greater extent with an increase in the income level of the farming community.