Impact of front line demonstration of eco-friendly management of pest and diseases in tomato on yield and economics in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka

Tomato is a major vegetable crop cultivated in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. To promote sustainable practices, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chikkaballapur, undertook a study during 2023-24 and 2024-25 to popularize eco-friendly pest and disease management practices in tomato cultivation. The traditional flat-bed transplanting method, practiced widely in the region without sustainable staking, often leads to poor drainage, higher pest and disease incidence, and consequently lower yields. To address these challenges and disseminate improved production technologies for enhanced income and productivity, Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted across several villages in the district. The demonstrations employed a combination of proven extension strategies such as focused group discussions, method demonstrations, off- and on-campus training programs, field visits, exposure visits, and field days. Additionally, a need-based package of practices was promoted, including timely sowing, seed treatment, raised bed planting, trellising, and integrated plant protection measures. These efforts led to significantly higher yields in demonstration plots, averaging 618.79 q/ha, compared to 529.77 q/ha in control (farmers’ practice), reflecting a 16.79% increase in yield. Furthermore, the demonstrations recorded a higher benefit-cost ratio of 2.17 and 2.26, compared to 1.24 and 1.28 under farmers’ practice across the two years. The results also showed a marked improvement in the knowledge and adoption levels among beneficiary farmers as compared to non-beneficiaries. Importantly, the success of the demonstrations has led to a wider adoption of raised bed and sustainable staking techniques in tomato cultivation across the region, contributing to improved yields, better resource use efficiency, and enhanced farmer incomes.