Yield gap analysis of front-line demonstrations in Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) under arid conditions of North Gujarat

Front line demonstrations (FLDs) are an effective extension approach for demonstrating scientific cultivation practices under farmers' field conditions. A five-year FLD programme on cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) was conducted at farmers' fields of Radhanpur and Santalpur talukas of North Gujarat during rabi seasons from 2018–19 to 2022–23. Fifty demonstrations were conducted to evaluate progressive interventions involving line sowing, weed management and an integrated improved production package. During 2018–19, line sowing increased seed yield from 712 to 732 kg/ha (2.81%). Line sowing combined with improved weed management during 2019–20 increased yield from 892 to 915 kg/ha (2.58%). During 2020–21 to 2022–23, the integrated improved production package increased mean yield by 4.60, 4.43 and 5.09% over farmers' practice, respectively. Pooled across 50 demonstrations, improved practice produced 755.56 kg/ha compared with 727.86 kg/ha under farmers' practice, representing an advantage of 27.70 kg/ha (3.81%). The B:C ratio ranged from 1.31–3.93 under IP compared with 1.11–3.41 under FP. The results demonstrate the practical value of FLDs for improving adoption, productivity, better economic efficiency and profitability of the cumin demonstrated technologies in the arid region of North Gujarat.