Impact Assessment of Technologies under FLDs for Improving Adoption, Productivity and Livelihood though Minor Millet Farming in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Minor millets, comprising kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.), little millet (Panicum sumatrense), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), and barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea), are recognised as climate-resilient, nutrient-dense, and resource-efficient crops with significant potential to enhance food and nutritional security in rainfed and marginal production environments. The present study assessed the influence of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on technology uptake, crop yields, economic returns, and overall living standards among small-scale minor millet growers in India. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and data were collected from 160 FLD beneficiary farmers selected from Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh and the Athiyandal region of Tamil Nadu through a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, adoption indices, paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed increased adoption of recommended production technologies following FLDs. Technology adoption increased by 33% in Dindori and 29% in Athiyandal, while grain yield increased by 26% and 22%, respectively. Net returns increased by 22% and 20%, with corresponding improvements of 12% and 10% in the benefit–cost ratio. Significant increases were observed in grain yield, fodder yield, net returns, and the benefit–cost ratio, demonstrating the effectiveness of FLDs in enhancing farm productivity and profitability. The study concludes that Frontline Demonstrations are an effective extension intervention for promoting sustainable minor millet cultivation and recommends strengthening extension services, quality seed supply, value addition, and market linkages to accelerate the adoption of improved technologies and enhance farmers' livelihoods.