Yield gap analysis and economics of front line demonstrations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under humid south eastern plain zone of Rajasthan

Performance of improved production technologies of chickpea vis-à-vis farmers ’practice was evaluated through front line demonstrations carried out at farmers ’fields during rabi seasons of 2011–12 to 2017–18 by Agricultural Research Station, Kota, Rajasthan. A total of 132 demonstrations were laid out in 66 ha in 20 villages of three districts falling under humid south eastern plain zone of the state namely, Kota, Bundi and Baran. Sowing of chickpea was done with a pre-sowing irrigation and was carried out between second fortnight of October to first fortnight of November. Recommended seed rate (80 kg/ha as against 100 kg/ha under farmers ’practice), line sowing, recommended NPS doses (at 20, 40 and 30 kg/ha as N, P₂O₅ and S, respectively), along with newly released improved varieties of chickpea viz., ‘GNG-469 ’and ‘GNG-1581 ’were showcased under demonstrations. The results indicated that average yield under improved technology ranged from 1693 to 1988 kg/ha with a mean of 1859 kg/ha. The per cent enhancement in productivity ranged from 12.2 to 23.2% with an average value of 18.93% over the farmers ’practice. The average yield gaps for technology, extension and technology index were 241, 294 kg/ha and 11.5 per cent, respectively. Majority of the farmers ’perceived strongly agreed (65.5 to 75.5%) and very few farmers ’were strongly disagreed (0.5 to 2.5%) with the statements. Improved technologies also enhanced average gross (INR 61, 334/ha), net return (INR 44, 407/ha), additional gross (INR 9, 775/ha) and net return (INR 7, 761/ha) in comparison to farmers ’practice. The demonstrations resulted in realizing higher incremental cost benefit ratio (4.98) and benefit: cost ratio (3.62) compared to the farmers practice (3.46) in Humid South Eastern Plain Zone of Rajasthan.