Farmer field school: An innovative approach for boosting spice production in semi arid zone

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of Farmer Field School (FFS), its role for sustainable agriculture in semi arid zoneand impact on yield of cumin in Pali district of Rajasthan, India. The seed yield improved significantly with theinterventions given in demonstrations under FFS as compared to farmers' existing practices. Fine-tuning of the production technology based on the location specific conditions and resources available with the farmers enhanced the adoption rate. The difference in technology gap in various fields indicated the better performance of recommended varieties with different interventions and more feasibility of recommended technologies during the course of study with the other factors like monitoring by farmers, soil type and fertility status of the fields. Similarly, the technology index for all demonstrations in the study was in accordance with technology gap. Higher technology index reflected the inadequate proven technology for transferring to farmers and insufficient extension services for transfer of technology. Economic yield as a function of grain yield and sale price were also taken into consideration. The results indicated higher additional returns and effective yield under FFS demonstrations.