Evaluation of frontline demonstration of zero tillage technology in wheat under semi-irrigated conditions

Krishi Vigyan Kendra Satna conducted frontline demonstrations on sowing of wheat by zero tillage method at farmers’ field during years 2019–20 and 2020–21. The data on productivity, economics and water saving in demonstrated plots were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practice. It was observed that yield of demonstrated plots was 15.73 per cent higher than farmer's practices. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 5.99 q/ha, 2.93 q/ha and 6.23 per cent, respectively. Due to reduced cost of cultivation and higher crop yield, the gross and net return was also higher in zero tillage as compared to the farmer's practice. The BCR was 2.78 in zero tillage, which was higher than in farmer's practice (2.08). The depth of irrigation was also less, i.e., 22.20 ha-cm and 30.50 ha-cm in zero tillage and farmer's practice, respectively. Higher yield and returns due to reduced cost of cultivation and water saving in the FLDs over the farmer's practice created greater awareness and motivated the other farmers to adopt this latest wheat sowing technology.