Impact Assessment of Front Line Demonstration on Mustard Crop

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadohi conducted 124 demonstrations on mustard variety - NRCHB-101, ND-8501, Pusa- Jagannath and Pusa –Vijai during two consecutive years from 2013–14 to 2014–15. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through meetings and discussions with farmers. Delayed sowing, use of higher seed rate resulting into dense plant population, uneven plant population, uncontrolled weeds, ignorance about fertilizers and lack of plant protection measures were the predominant identified causes of low productivity of oilseeds in district Bhadohi. In the same sequence the other parameters like technological impact, economical impact and extension gap were analyzed for Impact assessment of front line demonstration on mustard crop and feasibility of demonstrated technologies at grass root levels. The results of two years study revealed that the yield under demonstration plots was 21.50 q /ha as compared to 16.65 q /ha in traditional farmer practices plots. This additional yield of 4.85 q /ha and the increase in average mustard productivity by 29.13 per cent may contribute to present oilseed requirement on national basis. The average of technology gap, extension gap and technology index were found to be 9.27 q /ha, 3.05 q/ha and 34.63 per cent respectively. The results clearly indicate the positive effects of FLDs over the existing practices. Benefit: cost ratio was recorded to be higher under demonstrations against control treatments during the years of experimentation.