Impact analysis of cluster frontline demonstrations in enhancing the black gram productivity in Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh

The Cluster Frontline Demonstration are important tool in transfer of latest technologies with the objective of convincing farmers and extension functionaries together about the production potentialities of production technologies for further wide scale diffusion. Under these demonstrations, extension scientists arrange ideal farming conditions at farmers’ fields demonstrating package and practices at their field by adopting improved varieties, balanced fertilization on the basis of soil test and scientific management of pests and diseases. Under this, necessary and critical inputs are also provided. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bilaspur conducted 71 number of Cluster Front line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on black gram crop during kharif 2015 and 2016 on an area of 24 hectares at farmers fields. There was a wide yield gap between the potential and demonstration grain yields in black gram crop mainly due to technology and extension gaps. The study on black gram crop indicated that increase in grain yield over farmers practice was 48.4 and 78.4 percent, respectively, during these two years. It was further observed that in terms of economics, black gram crop recorded higher net returns per hectare compared to farmer’s practice during all the years. The benefit cost ratio was 1.8 and 2.7, respectively, during kharif 2015and 2016 in demonstration plots of black gram. The percent technology index varied from 31.8 to 60.0 percent indicating urgent need to motivate the farmers to adopt economical viable technologies for increasing production, productivity and profitability of pulse crops.