Cluster Frontline Demonstration: An Effective Technology Dissemination Approach for Maximization of Productivity and Profitability of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a premier legume crop of Fabaceae family. It is also known as gram and Kabuli chana. It is one of the major rabi season pulse crop of the Ratlam district. The main objective of this study is the enhance production and productivity of chickpea through CFLDs with latest and specific technologies viz- large seeded high yielding varieties and resistance to fusarium wilt (RVG 202) chickpea variety under best package of practices. The major problem of ratlam district is productivity of chickpea is very low because of non-adoption of latest intervention by the farmer’s like use wilt resistant variety, imbalance use of plant nutrient, water stress at critical stage, infestation of weeds and incidence of pest. Methods: The present study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaora, Ratlam District (M.P) during rabi season. Total 110 demonstration in farmer’s field of ratlam district during two years i.e., from rabi, 2020-21, rabi 2021-22 on integrated crop management (ICM). Front line demonstration on chickpea were organized five cluster of ratlam district. The demonstration intervention technology is improved variety (RVG-202), Optimum seed rate 80 kg/ha, properly seed treatment, crop nutrient management RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages, weed management and application of IDM module for the management of disease. Result: The results of study show a positive impact onfarming community due to the significant enhancement in crop yield greater than farmer. Results of the study revealed that the interventions increase demonstration field seed yield of chickpea by 30.76 and 32.71% over the farmers' field respectively, both the years. The average intervention technology gap (3.04 q/ha) extension gap 4.08 q/ha) and Technology index 15.22% suggested further improvement in the extension activities. The annual average benefit: cost ratio was higher (2.43 and 2.52) of the demonstrated plot compare to farmers plot (1.95 and 1.97), respectively. The similar trend was observed in terms of gross and net income returns which was demonstration plot is Rs 94589 Rs 67385 and under farmer's plot it was Rs 72783 and Rs. 49283 respectively.