Author(s): Mamta Singh, AK Singh, KS Yadav and Vaishali Sharma

Abstract: Within the realm of pulse crops, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) emerges as a pivotal crop for India, contributing to a staggering 91% of the global pigeon pea production. However, the productivity of pigeon pea cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Sagar district, falls significantly below its inherent production potential. Notably, inadequate crop management and protection technologies stand out as the predominant factors contributing to the observed suboptimal yield of pigeon pea. To rectify this anomaly, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, orchestrated a comprehensive intervention in the form of 195 cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLD) across an expansive 80-hectare domain. This initiative featured the cultivation of the short-duration pigeon pea variety TJT 501, coupled with enhanced packages and practices, implemented on farmers' fields during the period spanning 2016 to 2019. The culmination of three years under CFLDs showcased compelling results for pigeon pea cultivation. The average grain yield under demonstration plots soared to 9.21 quintals/ha, a substantial improvement compared to the meagre 5.76 quintals/ha recorded in traditional farming practices. This translated to an average yield advantage of a remarkable 63.28% over conventional farming methods. The pinnacle of achievement was observed in the 2018-19 season, wherein the highest grain yield of 9.83 quintals/ha was documented, representing a notable 60.36% increase over traditional practices (6.13 quintals/ha). Conversely, the nadir was registered under Farmers' Lead Demonstrations (FLDs) plots at 8.27 quintals/ha and 4.40 quintals/ha in traditional farming during the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the financial implications of this intervention were profound, with an average net profitability of Rs. 24,991 per hectare, significantly surpassing the Rs. 12,265 per hectare derived from conventional farming practices. The benefit-cost ratio mirrored this success, standing at 2.59 in the demonstrated plots and 1.89 in traditional farming practices. An analysis of the technology gap in pigeon pea cultivation under CFLDs revealed a range of 8.17 to 9.73 quintals/ha, while the extension gap varied from 2.80 to 3.87 quintals/ha. The technology index exhibited variability, ranging from 47.00 to 54.06%. These fluctuations can be attributed to diverse agro-climatic parameters, soil fertility, biotic stresses, socio-economic factors, and management practices. Mitigating these variations necessitates a concerted effort to encourage farmers to adopt economically viable technologies, thereby enhancing the production and productivity of pigeon pea crops.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i2b.522