Frontline Demonstartion-An Effective Tool for Enhancing Gram Productivity

The present study was conducted across 20 villages in Muktsar district of South-Western Punjab with the objectives to study the difference between demonstrated package of practices viz-a-viz, practices followed by the local farmers in gram crop and the effect of FLDs on production performance of gram. The primary data were collected from the selected farmers with the help of interview schedule and interpreted and presented in terms of percentage, the qualitative data were converted into quantitative form and expressed in terms of per cent increased yield. Thus, a total sample size comprised of 45 respondents from 20 villages across Muktsar district wherein, FLDs were conducted by KVK Muktsar. Forty five frontline demonstrations were conducted by KVK Muktsar from the year 2005-06 to 2009-10. The results of the study revealed that the average yield of gram under FLD plots varied between 13.26 to 16.99 q/ha, whereas, under the farmers' practice, it varied between 11.66 to 15.65 q/ha. The FLD plots recorded 11.27 to 18.5 per cent increase in yield, with sole exception of year 2009-10, which recorded a decrease in per cent yield of 8.31 per cent in demonstrated plots over the farmers' practice. It was due to the fact that the performance of desi gram variety GPF-2 under the farmers' practice was better than Kabuli gram variety BG-1053 under demonstration due to its' better tolerance to high pH soils of Muktsar district. The increment in yield of gram crop under front line demonstrations was due to dissemination of improved and latest technology viz., HYV, recommended seed rate, fertilization and plant protection measure.