Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Yield and Economics of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) in Mamit District of Mizoram

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to determine the yield gap on the tomato crop using FLDS. During the Rabi seasons 2019–20 and 2020–21, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mamit District, held frontline demonstrations in various parts of the district. With the aim of advancing technology for increased tomato production potential, 30 farmers were chosen to participate in front-line demonstrations of tomato production on 15 hectares. The use of the high-yielding tomato variety Arka Samrat, the application of fertiliser and manures based on a report from a soil test, integrated pest and disease management, etc. are some examples of the improved technology. Prior to and following the frontline demonstration, the respondents' basic information was gathered through personal interviews using a well-structured interview questions. Data on output was gathered from FLDs and local plots regarding the yield and economic performance of frontline demonstrations. Finally, the total yield, percentage increase in the yield, extension gap, technology gap, technology index, and cost of cultivation, as well as net returns and benefit cost ratio, were calculated. The demonstration's outcomes demonstrated that farmers may significantly boost tomato yield by switching to a better variety and implementing sound farming methods. The findings from the current study showed that the mean yield, which ranged from 434 to 452 q/ha, was 443 q/ha. The yield increased by 15.89 percentage points over the farmer's usual practise. The extension gap and technology gap, with a technology index of 80.66% over the demonstration years, ranged from 55.0 to 66.0 and 348 to 366 q/ha, respectively. In addition, compared to the farmer's practise, the displayed plots provided a higher gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio.