A Comparative Study of Chickpea Productivity among Farmers under the Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) Program in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Abstract

Pulses, particularly chickpea, play a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security, especially for vegetarians and economically weaker sections in India. Despite their importance, the availability of pulses has declined, necessitating efforts to boost production. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLD) program to promote the adoption of improved agricultural practices among farmers. This study assesses the impact of CFLD programs on chickpea cultivation in Bikaner district during 2020-2021, Rajasthan, by comparing the practices and productivity of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers. A total of 200 respondents, including 100 beneficiary and 100 non-beneficiary farmers, were selected from Bikaner and Kolayat tehsils. Data were collected through structured interviews to evaluate the personal, social, economic, and communicational attributes of the farmers. The findings revealed that beneficiary farmers exhibited higher productivity, with 96% achieving yields greater than 8.39 quintals per hectare, compared to only 64% of non-beneficiaries. The average yield for beneficiary farmers was 14.33 quintals per hectare, significantly higher than the 10.77 quintals per hectare achieved by non-beneficiaries. These differences were attributed to the continuous engagement of beneficiary farmers with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and their adoption of improved chickpea cultivation technologies. The study underscored the positive impact of CFLD programs is a very important factor that have aided in enhancing chickpea productivity and highlights the importance of agricultural extension services in improving farmer outcomes.