Productivity and economics of moth bean variety as influenced by spacing and organics under rainfed areas

Churu comes under desert region of Rajasthan and agriculturally it is very important district. In Churu moth bean cultivation is very common but its productivity is very low. To establish the production potential of crop cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) is an appropriate tool. To increase the production and productivity of moth bean in the district, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gandhi Vidya Mandir, Sardarshahar, Churu-1(Rajasthan) conducted 125 demonstrations on gram during 2016-17 to 2017-18 in four adopted villages. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through farmers meeting and group discussions with the farmers. Average yield data of conducted CFLDs revealed that, higher yield (1767 kg ha-1) was obtained in demo. Plot over local check (1364 kg ha-1) and additional yield in demo plot was obtained 403 kg. Per cent increase over local check was found 29.54 per cent. Average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were found 402.33, 433.33 kg ha-1 and 19.69 per cent, respectively. Averages of gross and net returns of demonstration were 29.17 and 42.69 per cent higher than the farmers' practice, respectively. Most important factor B:C ratio indicates that whether CFLD technology is profitable or not. B:C ratio was found higher throughout the study and average was (3.10) in demonstration over local check (2.58). It can be concluded from the study that for dry land areas, moth bean local variety can be recommended at the spacing of 45 cm x 10 cm with 2.5 t FYM per ha application for higher yield, productivity and economic returns.