Innovative and Interactive Approach for Productivity Enhancement: Farmer Field School (FFS) Concept in Mung bean in Arid Zone

Abstract

Based on data from mung bean growers in the Pali area of Rajasthan, India,
this paper addresses the concept of Farmer Field School (FFS), its function for sustainable
agriculture in the semi-arid zone, and its impact on production. When compared to
farmers’ current practices, the grain yield improved dramatically with the remedies
supplied in demonstrations under FFS. The adoption rate was boosted by fine-tuning the
production technology depending on the individual conditions in each region and the
resources available to the farmers. The differences in technological gaps in various fields
suggested that recommended varieties performed better with different interventions and
that recommended technologies were more feasible during the study with other criteria
such as farmer monitoring, soil type, and field fertility status. Similarly, the technology
index for all demonstrations in the study was in accordance with the 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 was also taken into consideration. The results
indicate higher additional returns and effective yields under FFS demonstrations