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FRONT LINE DEMONSTRATION

Introduction: Front Line Demonstration is the concept of demonstration of practices of crop production developed and evolved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on farmers fields under real farm conditions. The FLDs are conducted under the close supervision of the scientists. The system launched during mid eighties by ICAR showed encouraging results transferring improved production technology to farmers fields. Recognizing the concerted efforts, SOPA had been making in narrowing the technology gap. ICAR has allotted FLD soybean for the first time to a private organization like SOPA.

Objectives : To demonstrate on farmers fields under real farm situation the impact of recommended production technology including new varieties on productivity and higher farm returns.

Materials & Methods :  A cluster of farmers in fourteen villages were selected within a radius of  40-45 km. from SOPA R&D centre in Indore, Dewas & Ujjain districts during 2003. Hundred farmers of varied land holdings and economic status were selected in these villages. As prescribed, one acre land area was taken for each FLD. The farmers were advised to follow all the recommended package of practices including deep ploughing (10-12 inch) in the month of April/May. The field was prepared  for sowing in last week of June. 

There was very good rainfall occurred during crop growth period. The crop Growth was good to very good. Major Insect attack was not observed due to timely precautionary measures taken by the farmers. The highest yield obtained of JS 335 was 38.37 Quintals per Hectare while the highest yield under farmers condition was of 23.66 Quintal per Hectare. The average yield of FLD plots was 23.0 Quintals per Hectare. But under farmers field the average yield was 17.84 Quintals per Hectare. The farmers were happy to harvest Soybean yield all around in the state. It was noted that the problem of girdle beetle was sever. We must be taken all measures to control the insect.

The incremental benefit cost ratio over improved technology and farmers practice was Rs. 2.15. By adopting improved technology soybean yield production can be increased significantly, which will improve farmers economic status.