Impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra on pearlmillet growers

Pearl millet is one of the most important sources of staple food and fodder in the predominantly rainfed areas of the Ajmer. Its grain has very high nutritive value for human consumption and livestock also relish its straw, both in fresh and dried forms. A study was conducted to find out the impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ajmer on knowledge and adoption of improved production technologies of pearl millet. Asample of 100 benefited and non benefited pearl millet growers were selected for the study. The results indicated that majority of benefited pearl millet growers (70%) were having high knowledge level regarding improved production technologies of pearl millet in comparison to only 16 per cent nonbenefited pearl millet growers. Further the data revealed that majority of benefited pearl millet growers (96%)fully and partially adopted the High Yielding Variety seeds, line sowing method and weed management practices. It was discouraging to note that both the categories of respondents have lowest adoption towards plant protection measures. Further, basal application of fertilizers, top dressing of urea, seed rate and spacing are also having low knowledge base of both the categories. Result also indicated that benefited respondents had more knowledge and more adoption than nonbenefited respondents regarding all the improved production technologies of pearl millet.