Yield Gap Analysis in Niger Cultivation Through Front Line Demonstrations in Konkan Region of Maharashtra

Niger is an important oilseed crop in Maharashtra but still a vast yield gap exists between its potential yield and the yield obtained by the farmers of the area. In this study, it was observed that average yield varied from 2.0q to 2.7 q/ha under farmers’ practice and 2.8q to 4.3 q/ha under demonstration plots. Per cent yield improvement in demonstration plot was recorded from 37.5 to 59.3 over farmers’ practice. It was found that variety IGP-76 and Phule Karala performed better in Thane district where 53.3 to 59.3 per cent increase in yield over farmers’ practice was recorded. The technological gap was observed as minimum i.e. 0.61 q/ha and 0.70 q/ha in niger variety IGP-76 and Phule Karala, respectively. The extension gap ranged between 0.8q to 1.6 q/ha under both the locations indicating the need to educate the farmers through various extension approaches for the adoption of improved technologies. The lower value of technology index in variety IGP-76 and Phule Karala indicated the feasibility of the demonstrated niger crop technology.