An Evaluation Study on Yield Sustainability of Rice Fallow Blackgram (Vigna mungo) Through Frontline Demonstrations Approach

Background: Pulses are poor man’s protein in India contributing to 25% world’s share and its share to total food grain production declined to 8% (2023) resulting import of pulses. To stabilise the area and production expansion, the study aimed to achieve potential yield blackgram under rice fallow in Cauvery delta zone, Tamil Nadu, reducing technology gap in adoption of enhanced varieties and scientific technologies through frontline demonstrations. Methods: In 2021, scientific investigation was conducted using cluster village methodology to examine the effects of technology index and yield attributes on yield sustainability in blackgram through Krishi Vigyan Kendra by evaluating 205 demonstrations in Tiruchirappalli district experimenting trials on Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) resistant varieties VBN6, KKM 1, ADT 6 and VBN 8 and yield maximizing technologies. Result: Study revealed yield increase (38.90%) in demonstration plots than in farmers’. The major yield attributes - germination %, number of pods/plant, plant height, pod length and seed yield/plant had positive and highly significant impact on yield. Average technology index of demonstrations is 5.32%. Average net returns in demonstrations were higher (Rs.67050/ha) than farmers’ plot (Rs.40100/ha). This greater Yield Sustainability resulted with adoption of seed drill sowing, YMV resistant cultivars, TNAU pulse wonder, seed treatment.