Yield Gap, Yield Performance and Farmer Economics Analysis of High Yielding Biofortified Wheat Variety DBW-187 with the Special Reference to the Adoption in District Bijnor (U.P.) India

Abstract

This research investigated the yield differences, yield efficacy, economic consequences, technology index and adoption rates of the high-yielding biofortified wheat variety DBW-187 and high-yielding wheat variety enriched with essential nutrients. It addresses crucial aspects of food security and nutrition by analyzing the gap between potential and actual farm yields. Being biofortified, DBW-187 contributes to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations dependent on wheat as a staple food. Frontline demonstrations were executed in 128 farmers' fields in 11 blocks from 2019-20 to 2023-24, contrasting DBW-187 with conventional farming practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating field tests, economic analysis, and surveys of farmers. The results indicated that DBW-187 regularly surpassed local varieties, achieving an average yield of 58.74 qt/ha, in contrast to 42.65 qt/ha for conventional farming practices, signifying a 37.72% enhancement. The technological gap averaged 38.10 qt/ha, however the extension gap was 16.09 qt/ha, signifying possibility for enhancement in achieving the varieties complete potential. The average adoption rate of DBW-187 across the district was 54.73%, exhibiting considerable heterogeneity among blocks, ranging from 47.61% to 65.21%.