Demonstration of Kharif Pulses in Darrang District of Assam under the IIPR-Pulse Programme

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Darrang implemented the IIPR Pulse Demonstration Programme during Kharif 2024–25, focusing on blackgram (Vigna mungo, var. SBC 40) and greengram (Vigna radiata, var. SGC 16) under rainfed agro-ecological conditions. The programme covered an area of 30.0 hectares for blackgram and 10.0 hectares for greengram. The demonstrations revealed a considerable disparity between the potential and realized yields, primarily attributed to gaps in technology adoption and extension outreach. Application of improved agronomic practices led to substantial increases in grain yield, with blackgram and greengram recording mean seed yields of 7.7 q/ha and 7.5 q/ha, respectively—representing a 29.87% and 33.33% enhancement over traditional farmer practices (5.9 q/ha and 5.6 q/ha). The technology gap averaged 2.3 q/ha for blackgram and 2.5 q/ha for greengram, while the extension gap was recorded at 1.8 q/ha and 1.9 q/ha, respectively. Demonstration plots consistently outperformed the control plots, clearly indicating the efficacy of the improved technological package. From an economic standpoint, blackgram generated significantly higher net returns per hectare, with benefit-cost (B:C) ratios of 2.20 and 2.65 for blackgram and greengram, respectively—underscoring the profitability and cost-effectiveness of the interventions. The technology index, ranging from 23% to 25%, highlights the untapped potential for increasing productivity through adoption of location-specific, evidence-based technologies. These findings underscore the urgent need for intensified extension interventions to scale up adoption among resource-constrained farmers, thereby contributing to enhanced productivity, sustainability, and income generation. The outcomes of this study hold strong future prospects for strengthening climate-resilient pulse production systems and guiding region-specific policy and research initiatives for nutritional and livelihood security.