Assessment of mustard productivity through Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda, from 2021-22 to 2024-25, encompassing 150 hectares of land
with 359 demonstrations across 19 villages in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to assess the impact
and yield discrepancies between enhanced practices under Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) and the existing
practices used by farmers for mustard crops. Yield characteristics of both the demonstrations and the farmers’ practices
were documented, and their yield gap, technology gap, extension gap, and technology index were analyzed. The
improved practices involved high-yielding varieties and integrated crop management strategies (sulphur @ 25 kg ha-1 +
line sowing + thinning + seed treatment with Thiram 75% WP @ 2 g kg-1 seed + application of neem oil @ 2-4 ml L-1 of
water). The findings indicated that the average yield of 15.55 q ha-1 was achieved in the demonstration plots, which was
25.4 percent greater than the yield from farmers’ practices (12.40 q ha-1). Additionally, the technology gap, extension gap,
and technology index were measured at 9.89 ha-1, 3.15 q ha-1, and 38.83 percent, respectively. The average gross return
in the demonstration plot was Rs 78319 ha-1 compared to Rs 62467 ha-1 in the farmers’ practices. Similarly, the average net
return in the demonstration plot was Rs 55319 ha-1, while it was Rs 41300 ha-1 in the farmers’ plots. The benefit-cost ratio
was calculated to be 3.41 in the demonstration plot, which is higher than the 2.96 observed under farmers’ practices. This
clearly demonstrates the production and economic efficiency of the demonstrated mustard technology in the study area.
Overall, Giriraj (DRMRIJ31) exhibited greater vegetative vigor, reproductive efficiency, superior seed quality, and increased
oil content. The technology gap and extension gap were attributed to the lack of adoption of high-yielding varieties,
timely sowing, appropriate seed rates, seed treatments, fertilizer management, and plant protection strategies. The study
highlighted that the CFLD significantly contributed to the dissemination of technologies to farmers’ fields, thereby
increasing crop yields and farmer incomes in the area