Sesamum Productivity and Economics as Affected by Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Farmers’ Fields of West Godavari District

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the effects of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on the productivity and economic viability of sesamum cultivation in West Godavari district. The Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLD) programme was taken up at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Undi operational area, during Rabi, 2024-25, with integrated crop management practices in Sesamum at Siddhantamlanka village farmers’ fields of West Godavari in 20 ha area. The higher number of capsules/plant (88) and number of seeds/capsule (74) were registered with the CFLD plot when compared to farmers’ practice. The mean number of capsules/plant and number of seeds/capsule of YLM 66 was 88 and 74 no. When compared to local variety 72 and 68 no., respectively, The higher seed yield, i.e., 15.00 q/ha was realized with the CFLD demonstrated plot, which was 48.14 % more compared to farmers practice with 10.12 q/ha Rabi, 2024-25. The Gross returns and net returns of Rs. 180000, 107500/- per ha, and B:C ratio of 2.48 was also higher with the demonstration plot compared to farmers’ practice plot (Rs. 121500, 43375 per ha and 1.55). The technology gap was 100 kg/ha and technology index was 6.25, which shows good performance of Cluster demonstrations in Siddhantamlanka conditions. Yield enhancement and higher net returns were observed with improved varieties and production technology. Thus, the study resulted in convincing the farming community to adopt the recommended package of practices with improved variety YLM 66 in sesamum, which in turn enhanced the yield and returns.