Popularization of Maize Production Technology through Front Line Demonstration in Tribal Areas of East Godavari

The study was carried out during 2011–14 at farmer's fields of 7 agency mandals of East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Front Line Demonstration on maize crop was conducted on an area of 100 ha with active participation of 250 farmers with improved technologies composed of DHM 117 variety and integrated crop management (deep ploughing + seed treated with thiram 75% WP @ 3g/kg seed). The results revealed that maximum mean grain yield 85.3 q/ha with an increase in 75.6 per cent over local check (64.6 q/ha). Improved technologies of maize recorded progressively increased average grain yield during four years of study, from 62.0 to 85.3 q/ha. The extension gap can be bridged by popularizing package of practices of maize including improved variety (DHM 117), use of optimum seed rate, balanced nutrition and recommended plant protection measures. Improved technologies gave higher net return of Rs. 67,925/-ha with benefit cost ratio 3.87 as compared to local check (Rs. 63,543/-ha, benefit cost ratio 3.82).