Yield gap minimization in lentil (Cicer aeritinum L.) under front line demonstration conducted in indo gangetic plains of eastern India

Lentil predominantly is the rainfed crop mainly grown in constrained environment. Yield gap of lentil will be minimized by implementation of suitable location specific agro techniques with timely and careful management. Frontline demonstrations (CFLD) on lentil were conducted during rabi season of 2015–16 to 2018–19 in Buxar district of Bihar. CFLD was conducted in 20 ha area in each year with plot size of 0.40 ha with active participation of 50 farmers in two clusters to popularize the technology and quantifying the yield gap analysis in lentil. Demonstrated technology under CFLD enhanced the plant growth and yield attributes. Seed yield of lentil was recorded higher under CFLD (14.52 q/ha) compared to farmers’ practice (11.46 q/ha) which was 26.70 per cent higher over farmers’ practice, 32.12 per cent higher over district yield (10.99 q/ha) and 49.69 per cent higher over state yield (9.70 q/ha). Technology gap was recorded 2.11, 2.08, 1.4 and 0.33 q/ha in year 2015–16, 16–17, 17–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Extension gap was recorded 4.02, 4.05, 2.5 and 1.67 q/ha during 2015–16, 16–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Technology index was recorded 13.19, 13.0, 8.75 and 2.06 per cent during 2015–16, 16–17, 17–18 and 18–19, respectively. Average net return of Rs 36,346/- was recorded in demonstration and Rs 22,281/- in farmers’ practice. The net return under demonstration was 63.12 per cent higher over farmers practice. Average benefit cost ratio of 2.41 recorded with demonstration and 1.90 with farmer's practice.