Boosting Chickpea Production through Front Line Demonstrations in KVK Operational Area District Mandsaur Madhya Pradesh

This study was undertaken in Mandsaur district, situated in Malwa plateau semi-arid region of Western Madhya Pradesh Total 65 front line demonstrations were conducted during 2007-08 to 2011-12 in Kharif season in five villages (Guradiadiada, Udpura, Surkheda, Lasudawan and Barkheda dev Dungari) of three blocks viz., Mandsaur-I, Malhargarh- II and Sitamau-III. During these five years (2007-2011), 26 hectares under chickpea were demonstrated with improved management practices using improved varieties. Total 65 farmers were closely associated with chickpea demonstrations. To demonstrate production potential and economic benefit of improved technologies integrated pest management (Deep ploughing) consisting suitable varieties (J.G. 130 and J.G. 322), integrated nutrient management (20:60:20) NPK kg/ha.+ seed treatment with 1 gm carbendazim+2 g thiram per kg seed + Rhizobium or PSB culture @ 5+5g per kg seed + pheromone trap @ 10-12/ha. + bird perchers @ 50/ha.+ recommended insecticides. There was an appreciable increase in yield level 29.89 to 48.41% in chickpea under demonstration plots. Adoption of improved technology had significant impact on seed yield vis-à-vis yield gaps in chickpea. Improved technology enhanced chickpea yield from 301 kg to 486 kg/ha compared to farmers practice with an overall increase yield of 38.23 per cent.