Technology intervention through cluster frontline demonstration in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in internal drainage dry zone of Rajasthan

AbstractThe study aimed to analyze the performance and promote cluster front-line demonstrations in mustard production and assessing CFLDs contribution in yields and the adoption of improved technologies and enhance the profitability of mustard growers, the improved mustard production technologies were show cased through cluster frontline demonstrations. In total-175 no. of on-farm demonstrations were conducted on 110 ha area in Kukanwali, Nagwara, Nimbi kalan, Bhilal, Bardwa and Chavandiya (Six Villages) of Didwana-Kuchaman district of Rajasthan during 2023-2024 to 2024-25 and these were compared with existing farmer’s practices of mustard cultivation. The improved production technologies consisting high yielding varieties DRMR-1165-40 and RH-0725, sowing method, nutrient management, chemical weed management and use of plant protection measures were included in the demonstrations. The findings of the study revealed that the package of improved production technologies recorded a mean seed and straw yields of 17.00 and 39.9 q/ha which was 19.50 per cent higher than the farmers practices (14.20 and 35.8 q/ha). Comparatively average higher net returns (Rs. 72583/ha), additional returns (Rs. 16095 /ha) with a B:C ratio of (3.17) and ICBR of 21.48 were recorded with improved technologies as compared to farmers practices (Rs. 56488). Adoption of improved technologies significantly increased the yield as well as yield attributing traits of the mustard than the farmers practices. So, there is a need to disseminate the improved technologies among the farmers with effective extension methods like training and demonstrations. The farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved crop production technologies as discussed in this paper. So the higher productivity and economic returns from mustard cultivation could be realized. Overall, the study highlights the positive impact of implementing demonstrated agricultural technologies in mustard cultivation. These results indicate that the adoption of improved practices can lead to higher yields, better economic returns, and improved cost-benefit ratios compared to traditional practices.