Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) Yield Improvement in South Tripura

One of the major constraints of traditional cabbage cultivation is low productivity due to non-adoption of recommended package of practices and improved varieties by the Tripura cabbage growers. To replace this anomaly, KVK South Tripura under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region was conducted 15 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on recommended production technology of cabbage var. BC-76 in five different villages of the district during Rabi season for two years (2007-08 and 2008-09). Cultivation practices comprised under FLD viz., use of improved variety, recommended planting spacing, balanced fertilizers application and control of pest and diseases. The present study was carried out to know that the yield gaps between improved package of practices and existing farmers practice of cabbage. An average yield of cabbage in FLD ranged from 323.75-338.50 q/ha whereas in existing practice 250.00 q/ha in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Per cent increase yield with improved technology over existing practice was recorded in range of 29.50 to 35.40. The extension gap ranging between 73.75-88.50 q/ha during the study period. The trend of technology gap reflected the farmer’s cooperation, in carrying out such demonstrations with encouraging results in subsequent years. Average per hectare net profit was found Rs. 72,000.00 under demonstration while Rs. 42,600.00 under control. The benefit cost ratio was noticed 2.79 and 3.02 with demonstrations whereas 2.37 and 2.48 with farmers practices during 2007-08 and 2008-09, respectively. By conducting frontline demonstration of proven technologies, yield potential from cabbage cultivation can be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income of the farmers.