Farmers’ Perception Towards Pigeon Pea Cultivation as an Alternate To Bt-Cotton In South-western Punjab


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Authors

  • Gurdeep Singh, Pritpal Singh and Gurjinder Pal Singh Sodhi

Abstract

Farmers’ perception towards pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) introduced in the area as an alternate for Btcotton
was assessed through yield gap and economic analysis. The magnitude of yield gap and related
causes for pigeon pea vary substantially, that depends upon perception of farmers towards the technology
demonstrated. Yield gap analysis for pigeon pea and Bt-Cotton was performed against crop genetic potential
and average yield at district, state and national level. Grain yield of pigeon pea (variety AL-201) varied
between 5.8 and 8.8 q ha-1 (mean=7.5 q ha-1). Seed cotton yield varied between 16.3 and 22.0 q ha-1(mean=17.8
q ha-1). Results revealed that average yield gap assessed against yield potential for pigeon pea was 53.3%,
compared with only 25.2% for Bt-Cotton. Yield gap estimated against national average was however of
lower magnitude for pigeon pea (3.8%). Estimation of yield gap against state average further recapitulates
the similar trend indicating yield gap of 18.5%. Conversely, the pigeon pea grain yield was higher by 3.4 q
ha-1 when compared with the district average. On the other hand, mean Bt-Cotton seed yield recorded was
higher than the national, state and district average. Average net returns for pigeon pea were ` 17.6 X 103 ha-
1, compared with Rs. 34.4 X 103 ha-1 for the Bt-Cotton. Economic efficiency was higher for Bt-Cotton (`
201 ha-1 d-1), compared with the pigeon pea (` 124 ha-1 d-1). One half of the sample farmers reported that
pigeon pea cultivation has medium level of problem solving ability. More than one half of the respondent
(56%) farmers perceived sustainability of pigeon pea cultivation as of medium level. Farmers perceived
(56%) pigeon pea as non-practical alternative to Bt-cotton due to lower economic yield. Only 16 per cent of
the respondent farmers showed high level of preference toward pigeon pea over Bt-cotton.

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Submitted

11.10.2023

Published

11.10.2023

How to Cite

Gurdeep Singh, Pritpal Singh and Gurjinder Pal Singh Sodhi. (2023). Farmers’ Perception Towards Pigeon Pea Cultivation as an Alternate To Bt-Cotton In South-western Punjab. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 54(4), 171-179. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJEE/article/view/143582