Vol. 11, Special Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Arun Kumar Kondeti, Narasimha Ragimekula and R Veera Ragavaiah

Abstract:
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is one of the oldest millet used by our ancestors and is one of the most important cereal grow in tropical semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh. Due to its wider adaptability to various agro climatic conditions which play a major role in income of small and marginal farmer in dry land regions of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Front line demonstrations (FLD’s) were conducted by Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur in kharif season during three consecutive years of 2018, 2019 and 2020 under rainfed Alfisols of Anantapur. The demonstration plots cover 16.4 ha with 41 locations by the active participation of farmers with objective of varietal replacement with improved Variety (ABV-04). At each demonstration plot improved variety with high yield potential is compared with local/farmer saved seed. The yields of pearl millet under demonstration plots is higher than the farmers practice plots in all three years. The per cent increase in grain yield over farmer’s practice was about 17.45, 17.32 and 22.64 during the year 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively with average increase of 19.14 per cent was observed in demonstration plots. The same trend was followed in fodder yield also. The front line demonstration on pearl millet revealed 19.41% increase in yield over local check. This increase was with an extra expenditure of Rs.500/ha. Present results clearly show that the yield of pearl millet can be boost up by adoption of improved Variety (ABV-04). By conducting front line demonstrations of proven variety the yield potential of pearl millet crop could be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.