Scaling-up of maize productivity, profitability and adoption through frontline demonstration technology-transfer programme using promising maize hybrids in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The evaluation of technology-transfer through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on productivity
and profitability of maize against farmers' practice was studied during kharif 2009-2014 in Mandi
district of Himachal Pradesh (India). Out of 10 blocks of the district, 06 blocks viz. Sundernagar,
Balh, Gohar, Karsog, Gopalpur and Dharampur were randomly selected. Six maize hybrids viz.
Proagro-4642, Proagro-4640, Double Dekalb, KH-717, PG-2414, Bisco-855 and one single cross hybrid
(HQPM-1) alongwith SAU recommended technology were demonstrated in 50 ha area comprising
441 farmers from 35 villages of these 6 blocks. The study revealed that with the transfer of improved
technology under FLD's on maize, the grain yield of demonstration plots was considerably higher
over farmers' plot yields. The studies indicated that by adopting the improved maize production
technology, the magnitude of yield increase in FLD's over farmer's plot was 26.6, 18.6, 33.5, 35.7,
25.3, 30 and 21.8% in Proagro-4642, Proagro-4640, Double Dekalb, KH-717, PG-2414, Bisco-855 and
HQPM-1, respectively. Improved technology package also improved the profitability in terms of
gross and net returns besides benefit: cost ratio (BCR) ranging from 1.26 to 1.58. The study also
revealed a wide extension gap (609-938 kg ha–1) between the demonstration yields and farmers' plot
yields for various maize hybrids. Therefore, there is a need to aware and educate the farmers through
trainings and demonstrations for adoption of improved technology besides ensuring availability of
critical inputs well in time so as to abridge yield gaps in maize in Himachal Pradesh.