Impact of Blackgram (var. IPU 13-1) production technologies in Lalitpur District of Bundelkhand Region

Abstract

Lalitpur is one of the district of Uttar Pradesh state of India. Lalitpur district is a part of Jhansi Division. The district occupies an area of 5,039 km2. The district lies between latitude 24º11' and 25º14' (North) and longitude 78º10' and 79º0' (East). The climate of the district is sub-tropical, which is characterized by a very hot dry summer and a cold winter. Among the agronomic crops, pulses are the dried edible seeds of certain plants in the Fabaceae family. Pulses are very high in protein and fibre, and are low in fat. Pulses are also nitrogen-fixing crops which improves the environmental sustainability of annual cropping system. Blackgram were grown in the district during Kharif 2023 in the area of 202548 ha, production obtained 107958 Metric tonne with productivity of 5.33 q/ha. Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on blackgram were undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lalitpur in the district for 2023 during Kharif season in 16 villages spreading over 5 blocks for dissemination of improved technologies of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Wilczek] to increase productivity and to assess the economic viability and technological feasibility of the recent blackgram production technologies over the existing one. The average highest seed yield (760 kg ha-1) was recorded under CFLDs in the year 2023 over 580 kg ha-1 under farmers’ practices. Thirty one per cent increases in the yield were observed under CFLDs over farmers’ practice. The economic viability and profitability showed that the benefit cost ratio (B: C) was higher in case of improved agro-technologies (CFLDs) with 2.68 against 2.2 in farmers’ practice (FP). The net return from improved agro-technologies (CFLDs) was Rs. 30980 ha-1 which is significantly higher than farmers’ practices (Rs. 20590 ha-1). The variation in agro-climatic parameters as well as locations of CFLDs programme was effective in changing the attitude, skill and knowledge of the farmers for adoption of improved technology/ HYV of blackgram and further wide scale diffusion to the other farmers. It also improved the relationship between farmers and scientists and built confidence among them.