Evaluation of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on the productivity of kharif groundnut in Kachchh district of Gujarat

Abstract

ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) studied the impact of Cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on groundnut productivity consecutively four years during Kharif, 2016-17 to 2019-20. During the period, a total of 148 CFLDs on integrated crop management (ICM) in groundnut with GJG-22 variety were conducted in an area of 59.2 hectare at 23 villages of Bhuj, Nakhtrana, Anjar and Bhachau talukas of Kachchh (Gujarat). Before conductance of demonstrations, critical problems were identified in existing technology through field visits, farmers meetings and group discussions. Under demonstration plot, high yielding variety GJG-22 (semi spreading and tolerant to collar rot) with improved package of practices were demonstrated with the farmer's practice (FP). The average of four years data showed an increased (18.46%) pod yield of 2269 kg ha^–1 in the improved practice (IP) over farmer's practice where it was 1850.5 kg ha^–1. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index in demonstrated technology was 418.5 kg ha^–1, 457 kg ha^–1 and 16.76 per cent, respectively. The economics of demonstrations showed the viability of improved technology with a higher net return of 71,847 Rs. ha^–1 and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.12 in comparison to existing technology where it was 53,785 Rs. ha^–1 and 2.65. In general, a wide range of extension and technology gap showed negative impact on the yield and net return of crops. The outcomes of the present study clearly indicated that adoption of improved technology increased the productivity of groundnut with the decreased extension and technology gap. Hence, need to conduct large scale demonstration on improved production technology of groundnut to boost the yield as well as livelihood security of small and marginal farmers of the region.