Area expansion under improved varieties of lentil through participatory seed production programme in Ballia District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Attempts have been made through a pilot project to introduce lentil crop in rice-fallow of Ballia district of eastern U.P. to break the mono-cropping and to introduce improved varieties. A block Sohown was selected and data were collected from the respondent through PRA survey and structured interview schedule. The socio-economic status is related to adoption of recommended package of practices for cultivation of lentil, opinion of the farmers and impact of the project. Maximum 55.83% farmers adopt 2% solution of urea improves the plant growth as well as yield. Almost all the farmers used recommended seed rate 16 kg/acre (40 kg/ha) of lentil after two years of participatory lentil production programme. NDL-1 variety of lentil performs better and PL-6 variety has been chosen as short duration (105–115 days) under monocropped rainfed farming situation. Participatory Varietal Selection Trials are beneficial for selection of best performing variety in a particular farming situation. Efforts made to Register farmers association under “Uttar Pradesh society Registration Norms 1860” in the project implementing area for the production of quality seed on large scale through close linkage with National Seed Corporation, Seed Certification Agencies, Private dealers and local traders. Thus farmers should be trained properly about improved production technology of lentil and these trained farmers would be able to educate and transfer the technology more electively among the lentil growers. Productivity enhancement, nutritional security and rural livelihood could be achieved through participatory farmers seed production programme.