Yield Gap and Economic Impact of Frontline Demonstrations on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Akola District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) variety Phule Vikram were conducted during 2018–2021 in farmers’ fields in Akola district, Maharashtra, under the direct supervision of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Akola. The study evaluated the performance and feasibility of improved production technologies compared with farmers’ practices, with emphasis on yield gaps and economic returns. The demonstrated interventions included the use of the improved variety Phule Vikram, seed treatment with biofertilisers and fungicides, line sowing, balanced fertilisation, integrated pest management (IPM), and need-based protective irrigation. The results showed that demonstration plots recorded yields of 18.48–20.64 q/ha compared with 15.00–20.00 q/ha under farmers’ practices. The yield advantage over the check ranged from 3.20% to 23.30%. The technology gap ranged from 4.36 to 6.52 q/ha, while the extension gap varied from 0.64 to 3.54 q/ha, indicating scope for improving adoption through effective extension support. The economic analysis showed higher net returns and a favourable benefit-cost ratio under the demonstrated practices across the study period. Implementation was supported through farmer training, input distribution, and field monitoring by KVK Akola. The findings indicate that KVK-led FLDs can support the adoption of improved chickpea production technologies, enhance productivity, and improve farm-level profitability in Akola district.