Probing yield inefficiencies in Gobhi sarson via frontline demonstrations in heavy soils of South-Eastern part of Punjab

Abstract

 Rapeseed-mustard is a key oilseed crop in India, contributing significantly to the national economy and edible oil
 supply. However, conventional rapeseed varieties contain high erucic acid and glucosinolate content, negatively impacting
 human health and animal feed quality. To address these concerns, canola-quality rapeseed-mustard varieties with low
 erucic acid (<2%) and glucosinolates (<30 μmol/g of deoiled meal) have been developed. This study evaluates the
 impact of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on the yield and economic benefits of GSC-7 (Gobhi Sarson) in south eastern
 Punjab from 2017–2024. The research was conducted across five blocks of Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, covering 250
 farmers over five years. A comparative analysis between FLD-recommended and farmers’ conventional practices was
 performed. The results revealed that GSC-7 under FLD consistently outperformed farmers’ practices, with yield
 improvements averaging 26.05%. The technology gap declined from 17.25 q/ha (2017–2018) to 15.30 q/ha (2023–2024),
 indicating improved efficiency in achieving potential yields. The extension gap narrowed from 6.75 q/ha to 2.50 q/ha,
 reflecting the increased adoption of recommended practices of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Economic
 analysis showed that FLD plots achieved higher gross returns, averaging Rs. 1,00,697/ha, compared to Rs. 73,305/ha
 under farmers’ practices. The B:C ratio for FLD was 3.22, significantly higher than the 2.15 recorded for traditional farmer
 practices, indicating superior economic viability. The study highlights the positive impact of FLD interventions in
 reducing yield gaps and increasing farmer profitability. Strengthening technology dissemination and farmer trainingis
 essential to enhance productivity in Punjab’s mustard-growing regions.