Yield Gap Analysis of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) through Cluster Front Line Demonstration under NFSM Pulses Scheme in Khowai District, Tripura, India

Abstract

Enhancing the production potential and socio- economic level of farmers, altogether 325 front line demonstrations on field pea were laid out comprising 325 farmers covering the total area 160 ha with demonstration plots ranging from 0.20 to 1.0 ha during the year 2015- 16 to 2022- 23 in 14 different villages of Khowai district of Tripura to disseminate the production technology of improved varieties viz., Malviya Matar- 15 (HUDP- 15), Prakash (IPFD 1-10), Aman (IPF 5-19).  Field diagnostic visits, regular inspection, farmer’s trainings, group discussion, field days ensured application of balanced and optimum doses of nutrient, and timely plant protection measures. The productivity ranged from 11.50 to 13.50 q/ ha with average yield under demonstration recorded 12.21 q/ ha under improved technology on farmers field as against a yield ranged from 6.75 to 8.50 q/ ha with a mean of 7.52 q/ ha recorded under farmers practice. However, in the demonstration plot the yield enhancement due to technological intervention was 62.15% over the farmer’s practice. An average net returns of Rs 24,441/- at demonstrations plot, while the average net returns from farmers practice is Rs 7218. The additional cost of Rs 5440 gave additional net return of Rs. 17,223/ ha. The increased cost benefit ratio was also estimated; it ranged from 1.56 to 1.97 in recommended practices and 1.11 to 1.36 in farmers practice. An extension gap of 4.69 q/ ha was found between demonstrated technology and farmers practice, technology gap being observed 12.41 q/ ha, whereas technology index 49.87%. Therefore, cluster front line demonstration of field pea was effective for increasing the productivity of field pea and changing the knowledge, attitude and skill of the farmers. This created greater awareness and motivated the other farmers to adopt improved practices of field pea.