Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Dhananjai Singh, RK Singh, AK Patel and MS Baghel

Abstract:
Chickpea is one of the most important pulse crop in India, which plays a major role in supplementing the income for small and marginal farmers of Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. The development of the Agriculture is primarily depending on the application of scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. To increase the production, productivity, profitability and quality of agricultural produce, On Farm Testing and Front Line Demonstrations were implemented at various farmers’ fields during rabi seasons of four selected blocks of Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sidhi conducted 60 on farm testing and frontline demonstrations of Chickpea in late sown condition of Rice- Chickpea cropping system during four consecutive years from 2013–14 to 2018–19. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through meetings and discussions with farmers. Prevailing farmer’s practices were treated as a control for comparison with recommended practices. The average yield of recommended practices registered 42.6 percent higher than the farmer’s practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were observed 7.30 q /ha, 3.20 q/ha and 40.6 percent respectively. The highest grain yield (11.4 q/ha) was recorded in the year 2017-18, it was 39.0 per cent more than the farmer’s practice (8.20 q/ha). Average net profitability of worth Rs. 25023 /ha as compared with farmers practices (Rs. 16264/ha) were obtained an average benefit-cost ratio i.e. 2.91 and 2.46 were recorded in demonstrated plot and farmers practice respectively. The higher additional returns (Rs. 2003/ha) and effective gain (Rs. 6757/ha) obtained under demonstrations could be due to improved technology, timely of crop cultivation operations and scientific monitoring.