IMPACT OF FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION IN TRANSFER OF PEARLMILLET PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

G.M. PARMAR¹*, ASHA C. MEHTA², M.F. ACHARYA³, S.K. PARMAR^4
1Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
²Main Millet Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Jamnagar
³Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
⁴Main Millet Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Jamnagar
* Corresponding Author : dr_gmparmar@rediffmail.com

Received : 09-04-2016     Accepted : 16-04-2016     Published : 28-06-2016
Volume : 8     Issue : 22       Pages : 1417 - 1418
Int J Agr Sci 8.22 (2016):1417-1418

Keywords : Pearl Millet, Frontline Demonstration, GHB-558
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : None declared
Author Contribution : None declared

Pearl Millet contributes significantly to food and nutritional security of the rural and urban poor people in the arid and semi arid areas of the India and its valued equally for both its grain and fodder. Although, its demand in India is decreasing due to commercialization of alternative food, feed and industrial product. Considerable scope of enhancement in productivity leading to higher production exists, especially in Saurastra region, farmer’s meeting and field visits followed by persuasion for provision of improved variety, balanced and adequate nutrition and timely integrated pest management. To demonstrate this, 140 Frontline Demonstrations were organized by Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar between 2009-10 and 2013-14 at different districts of Saurstra region of Gujarat State under real farm situations. Prevailing farm practices were treated as control for comparison with recommended package i.e. improved variety, GHB-558, thinning 15 days after sowing, balanced use of nitrogenous fertilizers and two foliar spray of profenophos 0.05 % at 20 and 40 days after germination to control the shoot fly and stem borer pests infesting pearl millet. The cumulative effect of technological intervention over five years, revealed average yield of 2008 kg/ha, 14.5 % higher over the local checks. The economics of and cost benefit ratio of both control and demonstrated plot was worked out. On an average net profit was obtained Rs 3200/- due to adoption of improved package of practices. Cost befit ratio was 2.3 – 3.0 under demonstration, while it was 2.0-2.5 under control plots. By conducting the Frontline Demonstrations of proven technologies, yield potential and net income from pearl Millet cultivation can be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.