Impact Assessment of FLD on popularization of paddy ADT 57 in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu

Front Line Demonstrations provide an opportunity to researchers and extension personnel in understanding the farmer’s need as well as the practical difficulties in adoption of new varieties/technologies The present study aimed to assess the impact of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) on popularization of rice variety ADT 57 conducted by ICAR TNAU Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Virudhunagar during Rabi, 2023 in Virudhungar district of Tamil Nadu. Ten FLDs on newly released high yielding rice variety ADT 57 along with farmers practice variety (BPT 5204) were conducted each covering an area of 1.0 acre. Monsoon during the cropping year 2023-24 was normal and the overall crop performance was good. Incidence of pest and disease was very low when compared to the check BPT 5204. The result showed that ADT 57 recorded an average yield of 54.5q/ha from the 10 demonstrations which was 20% higher yield over BPT 5204 (45.7 q/ha). Farmers realized 28.4%increased net income due to the adoption of high yielding rice variety and improved production technologies under the supervision of scientists. In overall, ADT 57 paddy variety has yield advantage over check variety, field tolerance to major pest and diseases, matured 15 to 20 days earlier than the check. The farmers were convinced with the performance of the variety ADT 57, grain type, yield, pest and disease tolerance, cooking quality and net returns.