Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Pigeon Pea in Farmers Field through a Cluster Approach

Abstract

In the operational region of KVK, Palem, a total of 175 cluster frontline demos (CFLDs) on pigeon pea were carried out with the Redgram variety PRG-176 from 2019–20 to 2021–2022. Through farmer meetings and group discussions, the crucial inputs in the production technology now in use were identified. The results for pigeon peas showed an overall yield trend of 12.50 to 13.00 q/ha and a yield improvement of 11.11 to 11.84% over the yield from local methods, respectively. Due to significant heterogeneity in the extent of adoption of recommended technology based on the level of risk associated in terms of cost, convenience, ability, and knowledge of the concerned practice, the yield levels were significantly lower under local practices. Pigeon pea had an average extension gap, technology gap, and technology index of 128.30, 125, and 8.93%, respectively. The average gross and net returns of the pigeon pea crop demonstration were, respectively, 72895 and 47045 percent higher than the farmers' practices. Throughout the trial, the average benefit cost ratio was found to be greater in pigeon pea, at 2.8 respectively. The technological gap and index percentage were found to vary as a result of differences in agro-climatic parameters, soil fertility, biotic stressors, socioeconomic status, and management practices. Therefore, it is plainly clear from the data that the frontline demonstration program's use of superior varieties, packaging, and processes together with scientific intervention has contributed to raising the productivity and profitability of pulses in the global economy.