Improvement in Productivity of Mustard (Brassica juncea) Through Front Line Demonstration

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important oilseed crop of Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. The Productivity of this crop in the district was very low (7.31 q/ha) up to 2007–08, due to lack of white rust and insect resistant varieties and knowledge of improved agronomical practices among the farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gwalior has carried out 52 FLDs on 20.8 ha area during 2007–08 to 2010–11 on the farmers fields with white rust and insect tolerant varieties viz. Pusa Jai Kisan and Pusa Agrani along with improved package of practices in farmers participatory mode under FLD oilseed scheme. The results revealed that these white rust and insect tolerant varieties of mustard with improved agronomical practices gave 17.94 q/ha average yield which was 44.20% higher over local/farmers practices on the basis of 4 year average yield during study period. Economic analysis revealed that front line demonstrations fetched higher average net return of 32, 239/-per ha. which was higher than 12, 628/-over that received under farmers practice. During the 4 year study period higher average B: C ratio 3.70 was also obtained under front line demonstrations, which was 2.55 under local/farmers practice.