Impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Productivity and Profitability

Cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD)) is a unique approach by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on Oilseed crops to provide a direct interface between scientists and farmers where farmers are guided by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists during demonstrations in implementation of improved technologies like seed treatment, IPM, INM, land preparation etc. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on the productivity and profitability of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in the Akola district of Maharashtra. Over five years (2020-2024), 200 demonstrations were laid out across 80 hectares of farmers' fields. The demonstrated technologies primarily included the use of improved, high-yielding varieties (AKT-101 and NT-11) alongside recommended scientific crop management practices. Results revealed that demonstration plots consistently outperformed local farmers' practices. The mean seed yield under CFLDs ranged from 7.72 q/ha to 12.13 q/ha, registering a yield advantage of 17.43% to 26.54% over local checks. Economic analysis demonstrated higher profitability in CFLD plots, with net returns peaking at ₹36,850/ha in 2021. The demonstrations successfully bridged an average extension gap of 1.94 q/ha, providing farmers with a mean additional net return of ₹14,623/ha. Furthermore, the Incremental Benefit-Cost Ratio (IBCR) was exceptionally high, confirming the marginal efficiency of the capital invested in improved technologies. The study concludes that CFLDs are a highly effective and economically viable extension methodology for enhancing sesame production in rainfed agro-ecosystems.