Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Mustard Productivity and Profitability in Shivpuri District of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study was carried out during 2017-18 to assess the impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on production and productivity enhancement of mustard crops. RVSKVV, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shivpuri conducted a total of 75 demonstrations in selected clusters with GPS locations over an area of 30 ha in district Shivpuri of Madhya Pradesh. The yield performance data and economics of demonstration and farmer’s practice plots were compiled and analyzed for calculation of gap analysis, costs and returns. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through personal interaction, group meetings and discussions with farmers and KVK Scientists team. The improved technologies consisting improved variety, soil testing, seed treatment mechanized sowing, integrated nutrient and weed management, and pest and disease management. The average yield of improved technology demonstrations and farmers' practices were recorded as 17.80 q/ha and 14.40q/ha respectively. Overall, the 19.10 per cent increase in yield was found in demonstration plots over check plots. The average of the technology gap, extension gap, technology index and additional return were found as 2.20q/ha, 3.40 q/ha, 11 percent and Rs.11420/ha respectively. An average net return ofRs.42140/ha was found in demonstration plots as compared to Rs.30720/ha in farmers' practices and an average B:C ratio of 2.65 and 2.28 were recorded in demonstrated and farmers practices plots respectively. The higher yield and returns in demonstrations indicated that production and productivity of mustard at farmer’s fields increased by adopting improved technologies. The results revealed that the CFLDs by interventions of scientific technologies gave positive effects on production and productivity in mustard crop cultivation.