Farmer Participatory Approaches for Improved Production Technologies in Pigeon Pea

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is most important pulse crop of Karnataka. One of the major constraint of its low productivity is non-adoption of improved technologies. The front line demonstrations were conducted in Gulbarga district at 75 farmers fields, to demonstrate production potential and economic benefits of improved technologies comprising of seed treatment, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The improved technologies recorded a mean yield of 12.2 q/ha which was 20.8 per cent higher than the farmer’s practice (10.1 q/ha). The improved technologies resulted in higher income with a benefit cost ratio of 3.3 as compared to local practice with a benefit cost ratio of 2.73. The demonstrated technology also recorded less incidence of sterility mosaic and Fusarium wilt (<5%), Heliothis pod borer (5-10%) and pod fly (<8%) when compared to farmers practice. The technology was further disseminated horizontally through KVK extension approach/activities like training, print media, mass media, field day etc.,