Scaling Productivity in Harsh Rainfed Ecosystems: The Strategic Role of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) in Pali, Rajasthan

Abstract

Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) were evaluated to assess the productivity, technological gaps and economic performance of improved crop production technologies under farmers’ field conditions in Pali district, Rajasthan, during 2018-19 to 2022-23. Demonstrations were conducted on six major crops green gram, cluster bean, sesame, wheat, mustard and cumin using improved varieties and recommended agronomic practices, with adjacent farmers’ fields maintained as local checks. FLDs consistently outperformed farmers’ practices, recording yield increases of 43.75-57.35% in green gram, 41.88-64.57% in cluster bean, 55.48-62.83% in sesame, 35.96-50.26% in wheat, 50.12-58.73% in mustard and 42.22-56.57% in cumin. Technology gaps declined across all crops while technology indices decreased progressively, indicating improved realization of yield potential under farmers’ field conditions. The decline was associated with repeated exposure to improved production practices, closer technical supervision, better synchronization of agronomic operations and increasing familiarity with recommended technologies, although seasonal and field-level variability remained important. Although extension gaps remained considerable, they highlighted the substantial scope for increasing productivity through wider dissemination of recommended technologies. Frontline Demonstrations also recorded consistently higher benefit-cost ratios than farmers’ practices, confirming the economic viability of the improved production packages. Overall, the study demonstrated that FLDs are an effective extension approach for enhancing crop productivity and profitability under the semi-arid conditions of western Rajasthan. Further research should include adoption and long-term impact assessments to evaluate the sustainability and wider diffusion of demonstrated technologies.