Impact of Front Line Demonstrations in Improving Rice Productivity and Profitability in Jaunpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

A study was carried out during Kharif, 2019 to assess the impact of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on productivity and profitability of rice crop in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The FLDs were conducted by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, under the IARI-Outreach Programme to know the yield gap, technology gap, extension gap, economic return, extent of farmer’s satisfaction, and constraints faced by the farmers, especially paddy growers. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through personal interaction, group meetings, and discussions with farmers and scientists. Improved variety, soil testing, seed treatment, integrated nutrient management, weed management, and pest and disease management are among the improved technologies. The result showed that switching from traditional farming methods to more advanced production technologies can result in yields of 30.00 percent and net returns of 27.00 percent. The extension gap of 1.20 t/ha, technological gap (0.55 t/ha), and technology index (9.57%) were registered for the Pusa Sugandha-5 variety. An additional returns of ₹16884.33/ha was obtained with an additional investment of ₹8395.67/ha, coupled with scientific monitoring of demonstrations and the use of rice varieties during investigations, which also influenced the economic returns per unit area. The constraint that was found to be the most difficult to overcome was the lack of improved, high-yielding rice varieties. In order to increase their yield and increase the production and productivity of rice in Uttar Pradesh, farmers in the area are advised to adopt new rice varieties as well as a recommended improved package of practices and technologies.