A Study on Yield and Value Sustainability in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) Through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations Approach in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Groundnut is a prominent oilseed crop in India but its productivity is far below the potential yield due to lack of knowledge and adoption of improved varieties and technologies. Technology gap is a major problem in groundnut production in North Eastern zone of Tamil Nadu State in which Cuddalore district falls. A scientific and systematic effort was made to study the impact on yield by assessing technological gap existing in various components of groundnut cultivation through cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) with scientific technologies. Methods: Cluster Frontline Demonstrations was implemented in groundnut to improve the production potential of improved varieties and new technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The study with one of its objective to assess yield and technology gap in groundnut was conducted with 175 demonstrations during the period from 2020-21 to 2022-23 covering seven blocks in an area of 70 hectares in Cuddalore district following cluster random sampling method. Two main varieties VRI 8 and VRI 10 along with improved technologies were demonstrated in farmer’s field by providing necessary critical inputs seed pods, bio control agents along with seed drill sowing, Result: There resulted 62.13 per cent increase in yield as observed in demonstration plots over farmers’ practices in groundnut. The study revealed that in groundnut, the average extension gap (difference of demo and farmer plot yield) is 16.26 q/ha, average technology gap (difference of potential and demo plot yield) is 12.21 q/ha and average technology index of demonstrations is 22.21 per cent. The higher average net returns (Rs. 149758/ha) were recorded in demonstration plot (BCR 2.3) compared to farmers’ plot. The Sustainability Yield Index (SYI) and Sustainability Value Index (SVI) in demo plot are higher consistently than farmers plot mainly due to the effect of cluster frontline demonstrations with proper application of inputs/technologies viz., VRI 8 and VRI 10 varieties, seed treatment with bio fertilizers, bio control agents, soil test based nutrient management, application of TNAU crop booster groundnut rich and gypsum application.