Mitigating Extension and Technological Gaps Through Cluster Front Line Demonstration in Blackgram

Blackgram is a vital Kharif pulse crop in Himachal Pradesh, but its acreage in Bilaspur district is declining due to outdated sowing practices and old seeds that have poor germination and disease susceptibility. As a rainfed area, Bilaspur could benefit from pulse cultivation to boost farmer income, but low knowledge levels hinder blackgram production. To address this, Krishi Vigyan Kendra initiated demonstrations to bridge technological gaps by introducing modern practices.

Present investigation reports on cluster front line demonstrations conducted over three years (2021-2023) at 50 locations across 20 hectares each year. Key inputs, including improved seed varieties (Him Mash^-1 and UG-218), herbicides and insecticides were provided to farmers.

Demonstration plots yielded significantly more than farmers’ practices over three years, with increases of 50.70%, 47.86% and 59.02%. These findings suggest that demonstrating new technologies is crucial for expanding pulse acreage and achieving sustainability.