Role of cluster frontline demonstrations in enhancing production and productivity of chickpea

Cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) on chickpea variety ‘Phule Vikram’ were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khamgaon during Rabi 2020 to 2023 in Beed district of Maharashtra. The results revealed that average seed yield of 1803 kg/ha under demonstrated plots as compared to farmer’s practice (1360 kg/ ha). The average yield of chickpea is increased by 33.12% with high yielding varietal intervention. Adoption of scientific package of practices like seed treatment, integrated nutrient management, irrigation at critical growth stage, seed treatment with bio-fertilizers and need based suitable plant protection practices resulted in higher yields. The improved technologies gave higher net returns of ` 44,150, ` 60,765 and ` 65,898 per hectare as against to farmer’s practices i.e., ` 25,200, ` 38,605 and ` 47,625 per hectare during the study period 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. This shows the efficiency and effectiveness of the improved technologies as a result of successful technical interventions to enhance the production and productivity of chickpea.