Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstration on Yield and Economics of Kharif Sesame in Semi-arid Regions of Gujarat

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted by ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kutch-II, at farmers' fields to assess the impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on yield gaps and the economic performance of kharif sesame during 2019-20 to 2021-22. The study involved 87 CFLDs on Integrated Crop Management (ICM) using the high-yielding, leaf spot-tolerant sesame variety GT-4, along with a full package of practices, covering 34.8 hectares across eight villages in the Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Anjar, and Rapar talukas of Kachchh district. This improved approach was compared with the farmer’s local practices. Over three years, the improved practice (IP) achieved an average seed yield of 640.33 kg ha¹, a 17.23% increase over the farmer’s practice yield of 545 kg ha⁻¹. The average extension gap, technology gap, and technology index were 99 kg ha⁻¹, 169 kg ha⁻¹, and 21.13%, respectively. Economic analysis showed a net return of ₹41,290 ha⁻¹ and a benefit-cost (BC) ratio of 3.07 for the improved practice, compared to ₹32,231.67 ha⁻¹ and a BC ratio of 2.66 for the farmer’s practice. The adoption of the improved variety with recommended practices significantly boosted sesame productivity and reduced extension and technology gaps.