Bridging yield gaps in late-sown wheat: Evidence from frontline demonstrations in Haryana

The study was conducted over a period of three years, from Rabi 2019-20 to 2021-22, on farmers’ fields in Faridabad district, Haryana. Frontline demonstrations were carried out with the objective of evaluating the productivity and profitability of late-sown wheat varieties under the paddy-wheat cropping system. The results clearly indicated that the demonstrations using improved practices consistently recorded higher grain yields compared to the traditional farmer’s practices, which involved older wheat varieties. The improved variety WH 1124 showed a progressive increase in grain yield, ranging from 42.30 to 47.80 q/ha, reflecting a yield advantage of 8.2% to 13.0% over the farmer's practice across the three years. Alongside yield enhancement, the study observed a mean extension gap of 3.94 q/ha, technology gap of 5.92 q/ha, and a technology index of 10.76%. These findings suggest that promoting improved wheat cultivation practices can significantly reduce the yield gap under late-sown conditions in the region. Moreover, the improved variety WH 1124 also demonstrated higher gross and net returns and a better benefit-cost ratio compared to traditional practices. Overall, the study concludes that WH 1124 is a suitable and profitable option for late-sown wheat under the paddy-wheat cropping system in Faridabad district.