Impact of frontline demonstration on integrated crop management in rainfed onion

Front line demonstrations on Integrated Crop Management (ICM) in rainfed onion with farmer participation were conducted in Bijapur district of Karnataka for three years during 2009–10, 2010–11 and 2011–12. Results indicated that the average technology gap was highest in farmer practice (43.33q/ha) compared to Integrated Crop Management demonstration plot (34.33q/ha) with a extension gap of 9.33 q per ha. The average technology index was lower in Integrated Crop Management plot (21.82 to 39.09 q/ha with an average of 31.21 q/ha) compared to the check plot. Whereas, average adoption index was higher in Integrated Crop Management plot (79.17%) compared to the check plot (45.83). The impact of Integrated Crop Management module on thrips population was ranged from 4.85 to 6.20 with an average of 5.45 per plant was recorded in demonstrated plot as against farmer practice or check plots (13.97 thrips/plant). Similarly, the purple blotch disease incidence was severe in check plot (21.60 PDI) compared to demo plots (10.59 PDI). Average yield recorded in Integrated Crop Management in onion under rain fed situation was 75.67 q per ha which was more than check plot (66.67 q/ha). The increment in yield over check was 13.48 percent. Improved practice (Integrated Crop Management) recorded higher net profit of Rs. 50653 with benefit cost ratio of 5.19 as against farmer practice wherein, the net profit was Rs. 43933 with B:C ratio was 4.84 for every rupee investment.