Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Farmers Knowledge of Mustard Production Technologies in Bikaner District of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) play a pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved crop production technologies. The present study assessed the knowledge level of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers regarding mustard production technologies demonstrated under CFLDs in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The study was conducted in two panchayat samitis, namely Bikaner and Kolayat, under the jurisdiction of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bikaner. A total sample of 160 respondents was selected, comprising 80 beneficiary farmers who participated in CFLDs and 80 non-beneficiary farmers cultivating mustard without CFLD exposure. Knowledge was measured using a structured test, and respondents were categorized into low, medium and high knowledge levels based on mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that a majority of respondents (51.87%) possessed a medium level of knowledge. Beneficiary farmers exhibited significantly higher knowledge levels compared to non-beneficiaries, particularly in seed rate and spacing, irrigation management and nutrient management. Aspect-wise comparison indicated statistically significant differences in knowledge levels for nine out of ten aspects, with harvesting being the only non-significant aspect. A strong and positive rank correlation (rs = 0.95) was observed between beneficiary and non-beneficiary respondents. The findings clearly demonstrate the positive impact of CFLDs in enhancing farmers’ knowledge of mustard production technologies and emphasize the need for strengthening extension interventions in weaker knowledge areas.