Impact of Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) technology for enhancing soybean production in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra

Introduction

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major oilseed-cum-pulse crop in India, playing a vital role in meeting the country's edible oil demand, improving nutritional security through highquality protein, and enhancing farm income. India is among the leading producers of soybean globally; however, average productivity remains considerably lower than the world average, particularly in rainfed agro-ecosystems (FAO, 2023; MoA & FW, 2022) [3,5] . Low productivity is mainly attributed to erratic rainfall distribution, frequent dry spells, temporary waterlogging during heavy rainfall, and sub-optimal crop establishment during the early growth stages (Singh et al., 2020; Patil et al., 2021). In Maharashtra, especially in Jalgaon district, soybean is predominantly grown under rainfed conditions. The crop frequently experiences alternating periods of moisture stress and excess soil moisture due to uneven rainfall patterns during the monsoon season. Inadequate soil and water management practices, uneven plant populations, and limited adoption of improved land configurations and sowing techniques further constrain yield realization (Deshmukh et al., 2019; Rathod et al., 2022) [2,7] . Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) technology is a proven land configuration system that improves soil physical conditions by enhancing aeration, conserving soil moisture during dry spells, and facilitating rapid drainage during heavy rainfall events. Several studies have reported that BBF improves crop establishment, root growth, and nutrient uptake in rainfed crops, leading to higher yields and better water-use efficiency (Waghmare et al., 2020) [9] . Recognising the potential of this technology, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jalgaon, conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) on soybean using BBF technology to assess its impact on productivity and farm profitability under rainfed conditions.

Scope for Enhancing Soybean Productivity

Rainfed soybean cultivation is highly influenced by irregular rainfall patterns, often resulting in moisture stress during dry spells and water stagnation during periods of heavy rainfall. These conditions adversely affect crop growth and yield. The Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) system plays a crucial role in overcoming both challenges by improving field drainage and conserving soil moisture. The furrows store rainwater for use during moisture-deficit periods, while the raised beds allow excess water to drain quickly during intense rainfall. In addition, BBF ensures proper seed placement and maintains an optimum plant stand, leading to better crop establishment. Adoption of BBF technology therefore holds considerable promise for enhancing soybean productivity in rainfed regions such as Jalgaon district of Maharashtra.

Materials and Methods

Based on farmer surveys and field interactions conducted by www.extensionjournal.com KVK Jalgaon and the State Agriculture Department, the following major constraints affecting soybean production were identified:

Improper plant population  Conventional bullock-and tractor-drawn seed drills ensure row spacing but do not maintain uniform plantto-plant spacing.  Results in uneven germination, excess thinning, and frequent gap filling.  Leads to poor crop stand and reduced yield potential.

Poor adoption of soil and water conservation practices

 Practices perceived as labour-intensive and timeconsuming.

 Limited awareness about long-term benefits under rainfed conditions. [4] , Nagavallemma et al. (2005), [6] and Shete et al.

Limited access to improved planting technology

(2020) [8] , who observed enhanced crop establishment and yield stability under rainfed conditions.

Moisture Management and Nutrient Use Efficiency

BBF technology played a significant role in efficient soil moisture management. The furrows served as temporary water storage structures during rainfall events, allowing gradual infiltration and reducing surface runoff. At the same time, raised beds facilitated rapid drainage during excess rainfall, thereby preventing waterlogging-a common constraint in Vertisols of Jalgaon district. Improved soil physical conditions under BBF enhanced nutrient availability and uptake, resulting in better crop growth and higher yields. Field observations indicated that BBF plots required fewer lifesaving irrigations than flat-sown plots, resulting in an estimated 30-40% saving in irrigation water. These findings corroborate earlier reports by Astatke et al. (2002) [1] and Waghmare et al. (2020) [9] , which highlighted the role of improved land configuration in increasing water-use efficiency and nutrient uptake in rainfed cropping systems.

Economic Performance of BBF Technology

Economic analysis showed that BBF technology was more profitable than conventional flat sowing across all demonstration years. The average net return under BBF was ₹ 51,424 ha⁻¹, with a benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of 2.90, compared with ₹ 28,079 ha⁻¹ and a B:C ratio of 2.07 under www.extensionjournal.com farmers' practice. Higher profitability under BBF was mainly due to higher yields and lower expenditure on gap filling, re-sowing, and irrigation. Farmers earned an additional ₹ 10,000-15,000 ha⁻¹ by adopting BBF technology, making it economically attractive and feasible. Similar improvements in economic returns from BBF adoption have been reported by Deshmukh et al.

(2019) [2] and Rathod et al. (2022) [7] , underscoring its suitability for rainfed soybean cultivation in Maharashtra.

Overall, the results clearly demonstrate that BBF technology enhances soybean productivity, stabilises yield under variable rainfall conditions, and improves farm profitability. The consistent performance across years indicates its potential for large-scale adoption in rainfed regions.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementKrishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalgaon, Dist. Jalgaon, is grateful to the Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VIII, Pune, and the Director, Extension Education, MPKV, Rahuri, for excellent technical, administrative, and financial support in conducting the FLD, and to the participating farmers for their cooperation in the successful conduct of the FLDs.

References

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