Evaluation of technological interventions on the productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through frontline demonstrations in South-Eastern Rajasthan

The study was conducted to examine the effects of frontline demonstrations on chickpea using scientific production technology for sustainable productivity and profitability on 40-hectare area covering 80 farmer's fields in the Kota, Bundi and Baran districts of Rajasthan. The average yield of chickpea in the frontline demonstration plots (IP) using integrated crop management technology was 2219 kg/ha, which was significantly higher than the average yield of 1827 kg/ha in the farmers’ practices (FP). The average chickpea yield was found higher (18.88%) in demonstration plots over farmer practices, with the implementation of improved production technologies. During the three years of study (2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21), the technological index (17.21%), extension gap (392 kg/ha), and average technological gap (461 kg/ ha) were found out. During the years of the study, frontline demonstration plots had the highest average net profit and B:C ratio (INR. 77,357/ha and 3.38), compared to farmer practice (INR. 64,081/ha and 3.24). Economic studies over one or three years showed that adopting improved package generated higher profits than traditional farmers practice.