Influence of varietal replacement demonstration on the yield and economics of potato (Solanum tubrososum) cv. Kufri Pukhraj in Bhagalpur District of Bihar

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the important vegetable crops grown for fresh and processing purpose all over the India due to its wider adaptability under various agro-climatic conditions, which plays a major role in supplementing the income of small and marginal farmer of the Bhagalpur district of Bihar state. The present study was carried out at Bhagalpur district during kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19. Varietal replacement through Farmer FIRST Project were conducted on potato by the active participation of the farmers with the objective of improved technologies of potato production potential. The improved technologies consist improved variety (Kufri Pukhraj), balanced fertilizers (Soil test based) application and integrated pest and disease management, etc. The development of the agriculture is primarily depends on the application of the scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. One of the major constraints of traditional potato farming is low productivity because of non-adoption of advanced technologies like improved varieties. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, varietal replacement are being conducted at various farmer’s field. All the recommended practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return and net return were collected as per schedule and analysed. Result of the present study revealed the higher average yield in the varietal replacement demonstration was recorded (344.84 q/ha) as compared to farmers practice (224.31 q/ha) traditional adopted by the farmers. The percentage increase in the yield over farmer’s 53.28 was recorded. The technology gap and extension gap were computed 54.46 and 120.12 q/ha respectively, along with 13.61 percent of technology index. The varietal replacement demonstration field gave higher average net return Rs. 420680.00 and B:C ratio is 1: 4.30. The result of the study indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. Present result clearly show that the yield and economics of turmeric can be boost up by adopting recommended technologies.