Effect of Front Line Demonstrations of Chickpea Cv. RSG-888 on Farmers’ Field in Rainfed Condition of Rajasthan, India

In the present study performance of chickpea variety (RSG-888) against local check was evaluated through front line demonstrations conducted at farmer’s field during rabi season of 2013, 2014 and 2015. A total of 56 demonstrationswere laid on 9.0 ha in 20 villages across six blocks of Pali district. Sowing was done using residual soil moisture of dry condition from second week October to first week of November every year [1]. Package of practices as developed for the region were strictly followed. Recommended seed rate i.e. 70 kgha-1 against existing farmers’ practices of using 100 kg ha-1 (local check) was broadcasted and nutrients i.e. N, P, and S in the ratio of 20:30:40 kg ha-1 were applied. The variety performed much better compared to local check (Pratap Channa) and an average grain yield of 16.7 q/ha was recorded which was 67.00% more than the local check. Straw yield also recorded an increase of 44.20% over local check. In spite of increase in yield both in grain and straw, technological and extension gaps existed which was 7.2 and 5.3 q/ha, respectively. The extension gap can be bridged by popularizing package of practices where in stress need to belaidon use of proper seed rate and balanced nutrient application. Economics of growing released high yielding variety of chickpea RSG-888 recorded a net income of Rs. 39208/, per hectare which is 83.30% more compared to net income from local check (Pratap Channa) Meena and Singh [2].