Vol. 9, Special Issue 3, Part A (2025)

In order to make effective use of natural resources and concentrate on increasing the yields and revenue of watermelon-growing farmers, the KVK, Ramagirikhilla, carried out a study to popularize Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in watermelon cultivation. In addition to incorporation of organic manures, the raised bed technique, drip irrigation, mulching, fertigation of soluble fertilizers and integrated nutrient management techniques, growing watermelons decreased pest and disease infestation, increased the soil nutrient status, fertilizer use efficiency and yields. Front Line Demonstrations were held in several villages within Telangana's Peddapalli district from 2016-17 to 2019-20 in an effort to spread the awareness about Integrated Nutrient Management methods for increasing watermelon cultivation's yields. The findings showed that the watermelon yield (343.00 q ha^-1) increased by 19.75 percent when compared to the farmer's practice (288.05 q ha^-1) with a technology index of 23.78%, an extension gap of 54.95 q ha^-1, a technology gap of 107.00 q ha^-1. And recorded higher benefit-cost ratio (3.66) than farmers' practices (2.62), Integrated Nutrient Management technology generated higher net returns and an increase of Rs. 47,171.00/-. During the study the adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management technology increased from negligible to 438.46% with overall adoption level 208.29% and horizontal spread from 0 ha upto 118.60 ha. In addition to expanding the area under Integrated Nutrient Management with sustainable watermelon cultivation, the acceptance and awareness levels of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers were much improved.