Impact of integrated crop management technologies on productivity and energy budgeting of mustard under cluster frontline demonstrations in Eastern Rajasthan

Abstract

Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) represent an effective extension approach for the systematic planning,
implementation and evaluation of proven agricultural technologies under farmers’ field conditions. The present
investigation evaluated the performance of CFLDs during the period 2022-23 to 2024-25 to assess the impact of integrated
crop management (ICM) practices in mustard, as recommended in the package of practices of Agriculture University,
Kota. The study adopted a combination of experimental and before-after research designs, and a total of 400 beneficiary
farmers were included under the CFLD programme. Performance of improved mustard varieties Radhika and RH-725
under CFLD plots was compared with farmers’ prevailing practices (local check). The results revealed that the
demonstrated plots consistently produced significantly higher seed yield than the local check across all the three years
of study. On pooled basis, the mean extension gap and technology gap were observed to be 4.36 q ha-¹ and 3.51 q ha-¹,
respectively, indicating substantial scope for enhancing mustard productivity through improved technological
interventions. Furthermore, the demonstrated plots recorded higher net returns and benefit-cost ratios compared to
farmers’ practices during all seasons, highlighting the economic superiority of ICM technologies. Energy analysis
further substantiated the effectiveness of CFLDs, as higher energy use efficiency and energy productivity (kg MJ-¹)
were recorded under the demonstration plots in comparison to farmers’ plots, reflecting improved resource-use efficiency
under integrated crop management practices. The demonstrated ICM practices significantly enhanced seed yield and
net returns (p < 0.01) and improved energy use efficiency by 37.6% over farmers’ practices.