Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Weed Management, Productivity and Profitability of Maize under Rainfed Conditions of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Résumé fourni par la source

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the impact of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) on improved weed management practices in maize in terms of productivity, profitability and technology dissemination under farmers’ field conditions in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Study Design: On-farm Front Line Demonstrations were conducted using a paired-plot comparison between the improved weed management practice and the prevailing farmer practice. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during Kharif 2023 in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, across eight mandals under rainfed conditions. Methodology: A total of 40 Front Line Demonstrations covering 20 ha were conducted in farmers’ fields. The improved weed management practice consisted of a tank-mix application of atrazine (750 g ha⁻¹) and tembotrione (120 g ha⁻¹) at 15–20 days after sowing, whereas the farmer practice involved a single pre- or post-emergence herbicide application. Grain yield, technology gap, extension gap, technology index and economic returns were recorded and analysed. Results: The improved weed management practice recorded a mean grain yield of 62.33 q ha⁻¹, compared with 57.85 q ha⁻¹ under the farmer practice, resulting in a 7.23% yield advantage. The mean technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 7.67 q ha⁻¹, 4.48 q ha⁻¹ and 11.11%, respectively. The improved practice also recorded higher net returns (₹90,899.12 ha⁻¹) and a higher benefit–cost ratio (2.32) than the farmer practice (₹78,429.11 ha⁻¹ and 1.85, respectively). Conclusion: Front Line Demonstrations effectively promoted improved weed management practices, resulting in higher maize productivity, profitability and adoption of the demonstrated technology under rainfed conditions. The demonstrated technology was economically viable and suitable for wider dissemination among maize growers in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

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