Maize production in the intermediate hill zone of Jammu & Kashmir : An economic evaluation of front line demonstrations

Front Line Demonstrations are one of the essential mandates of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Service Centres) for wider transfer of proven agricultural technology on farmers’ fields. Frontline demonstrations on maize under Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm and Maize (ISOPOM) were carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Poonch in the intermediate hills of Jammu & Kashmir in kharif season of the year 2012. A study was conducted to find out the impact of these demonstrations in terms of production efficiency, crop yield index, change in productivity, B.C ratio and marketed surplus. Production efficiency and Crop yield index of maize crop under demonstrated plots were found to be 131.48 per cent and 105.89 per cent respectively. The average yield of maize was found to be more in demonstrated plots (28.20/ha ± 2.95) compared to the local plots (22.05/ha ± 4.37). However, the variation in maize productivity under demonstration plots was found to be very less (8.71) compared to productivity under local plots (19.13). An additional net return of Rs. 6707.43 per hectare was realized in case of demonstrated plots compared to local check plots.