Impact Assessment of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Summer Moong (Vigna radiata) Production in Sonipat, Haryana

Background: Pulses are a vital component of India’s agricultural landscape, serving as a primary protein source in diets and contributing to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. However, persistent production deficits, driven by low yields and limited adoption of modern technologies, have hindered self-sufficiency, necessitating imports to meet growing demand. Methods: This study investigates the transformative impact of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on summer moong (Vigna radiata) cultivation in Sonipat, Haryana, over the period from 2017 to 2022. Conducted across 350 demonstrations covering 140 hectares in 35 villages, the CFLDs showcased advanced agricultural practices-including high-yielding varieties, optimized nutrient management and integrated pest control-compared against traditional farmer methods. Result: The results were striking: Demonstration plots achieved an average yield of 7.33 quintals per hectare (q/ha), surpassing the control plots’ 5.77 q/ha by 27.26%. Economically, the benefits were even more pronounced, with net returns increasing by 43.4% (Rs. 18,529/ha vs. Rs. 12,924/ha) and the benefit-cost (B: C) ratio improving from 1.83 to 2.14. These gains were consistent across years, with demonstration plots exhibiting lower yield variability (coefficient of variation: 8.5% vs. 10.2%), highlighting the stability and resilience of the interventions even under variable climatic conditions. Farmer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 82% of participants expressing intent to adopt the demonstrated technologies, though challenges such as seed availability, input costs and market price fluctuations were noted as barriers. Beyond immediate productivity and profitability gains, the CFLDs fostered greater farmer confidence in modern practices, paving the way for broader technology dissemination. This study underscores the potential of CFLDs as a scalable extension model to address India’s pulse deficit, enhance rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agriculture.