Dr. B. R. Choudhary Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342 304, Rajasthan
Corresponding Author’s Email - rchoudhary2018@aujodhpur.ac.in
The study was undertaken to analyze the effects of improved practices through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on productivity and profitability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Farmers’ inadequate adoption of better technologies is the main factor contributing to mustard’s low production. A significant enhancement in productivity was noted due to the adoption of interventions such as improved varieties, balanced nutrient management, seed treatment, improved sowing methods, timely operations and plant protection measures. The impact of improved practices revealed that cultivation of improved mustard varieties recorded yield increase up to 16.55% at Hatundi (Jodhpur) during rabi 2023–24, 12.36% at Khardamewas (Jodhpur) and 14.29% at Sinla (Pali) during rabi 2024–25 over the farmers’ practices. The technology gap showed the difference between the potential yield under optimum conditions and the yield actually achieved in practice was 706 kg/ha at Hatundi (Jodhpur) during rabi 2023–24, 918 kg/ha at Khardamewas (Jodhpur) and 823 kg/ha at Sinla (Pali) during rabi 2024–25. The technology index varied between 29.42% and 35.31%, with a mean value of 32.21%. The mean gaps observed for technology and extension were 816 kg/ha and 164 kg/ha, respectively, while the average technology index was 32.21%. Demonstration of improved technologies also increased average gross return (₹ 1,00,405 /ha), net return (₹ 70,905 /ha), net gain (₹ 9348 /ha) and additional return (₹ 10915 /ha) compared to farmers’ practice. Conductance of front line demonstration helped in raisingn the awareness and encouraged farmers to adopt improved mustard production technologies in the state.
Farmer practices, Extension gap, Improved practices and Technology gap
