Impact through frontline demonstrations on yield, yield gap and economics of drumstick farming in arid Kachchh of Gujarat

Abstract

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.) is one of the world’s most nutritious crops and is one of the most popular vegetables grown throughout India. It has helped mankind in combating malnutrition in children and increasing immunity. Front-line demonstration (FLDs) is one of the most popular tools for technology transfer. ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj conducted field studies for two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 through frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on yield and economics of drumstick farming in different villages of Bhachau and Bhuj Talukas of Kachchh, Gujarat. This tree is easy to cultivate, resistant to drought and produces a high concentration of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is a rare horticulture crop which begins fruiting within six months of planting and continues to do so for a period of eight to nine years. In Kachchh, Gujarat, the crop has been just introduced owing to its suitability in arid conditions of the region. The average pod yield under demonstration was 197.80 q ha–1 compared to the farmer’s local variety (158.88 q ha–1) and increased significantly by 24.50% on average over farmers used variety. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 3892 kg ha-1, 5220 kg ha-1 and 20.88%, respectively. By adopting improved variety, farmers get additional average returns of Rs. 57,630 ha-1 and B: C ratio of 4.82.