Evaluation of scented variety Pusa Sugandha-5 of paddy through OFTs and FLDs in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh

Sidhi is one of the most backward district of Madhya Pradesh (India) having 67 % of area as rain fed. Sidhi is situated in Kaymore plateau and Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh. Paddy is one of the major kharif crop grown in district. Farm Science Center known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down On Farm Testing in the year 2008-09 and Front Line Demonstration in the year 2009-10 introducing new, high yielding and scented variety “Pusa Sugandha-5” and applying scientific practices in their cultivation. The OFTs and FLDs were carried out in village “Hadbado” of Sidhi district. The productivity and economic returns of paddy in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer’s practices (local check). Improved practices recorded higher yield as compared to farmer’s practices. The improved technology recorded higher yield of 30.17 q/ha and 23.48 q/ha in the year 2008-09 and 2009-10, respectively than 14.32 and 17.92 q/ha. In spite of increase in yield of paddy, technology gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return (36204 & 26436 Rs./ ha), net return (25704 & 17111 Rs./ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (2.49 & 1.83) as compared to farmer’s practices. The variation in per cent increase in the yield was found due to the lack of knowledge, and poor socio-economic condition. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the OFTs and FLDs programmes were effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved package and practices of HYV of paddy adoption.