Impact Assessment of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Indian Brassica napus var. GSC-7 in Ludhiana District

Gobhi Sarson is an important oilseed crop of the Rabi season contributing significantly to farmer's income and national edible oil production. However, low productivity due to the use of outdated varieties and suboptimal agronomic practices remains a major challenge for farmers in the region. The cluster frontline demonstrations on Brassica napus GSC-7 were carried out during Rabi 2023-24, covering an area of 20 ha in the Ludhiana district. The impact of frontline demonstrations on yield gaps and economics was studied through demo plots with improved practices and check plots with farmer practices. It was revealed that yield was significantly higher in demonstrated variety (GSC 7) i.e., 21.20 q/ha with improved package of practices than check variety (Hyola-401) with farmer practices having yield of 19.57 q/ha. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were estimated to be 1.63, 1.05 and 4.95, respectively. Significantly better economic returns in terms of both net return (90556) and benefit cost ratio (4.56) were also observed in demo plots. Overall, farmers benefited from front-line demonstration on Gobhi sarson, as they get crop with better quality and higher yield following improved package of practices.