Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Dhananjai Singh, Pushpa Jharia, Amrita Tiwari, AK Patel and MS Baghel

Abstract:
Kodo millet provides staple food with cheap protein, minerals and vitamins to poor, marginal, tribal and backward people of Madhya Pradesh. This crop is responsive to the adverse climatic and poor soil conditions. The present investigation was carried out to improve Kodo millet yield through different inputs and their integration to reduce the input cost. The development of the Agriculture is primarily depending on the application of scientific technologies by making the best use of available resources. To increase the production, productivity, profitability and quality of agricultural produce, On Farm Testing and Front Line Demonstrations were implemented at various farmers’ fields during kharif seasons of selected farmers of Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sidhi conducted 40 on farm testing and frontline demonstrations on Kodo Millet during four consecutive years from 2013-14 to 2016-17. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through meetings and discussions with farmers. Prevailing farmer’s practices were treated as a control for comparison with recommended practices. The average yield of recommended practices registered 28.25 percent higher than the farmer’s practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were observed 14.43 q/ha, 2.04 q/ha and 65.58 percent respectively. The highest grain yield (8.20 q/ha) was recorded in the year 2015-16, it was 29.30 percent more than the farmer’s practice (5.80 q/ha). Average net profitability of worth Rs. 5862 /ha as compared with farmers practices (Rs. 3852/ha) were obtained an average benefit-cost ratio i.e. 2.96 and 2.46 were recorded in demonstrated plot and farmers practice respectively. The higher additional returns (Rs. 2504/ha) and effective gain (Rs. 2214/ha) obtained under demonstrations could be due to improved technology, timely of crop cultivation operations and scientific monitoring.