On-farm cluster front-line demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted during rabi season for eight consecutive years (2015-16 to 2022-23) in Bihar to demonstrate the impact and production potential of improved technologies. The CFLDs were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhagalpur, Bihar, on the mustard crop in Bhagalpur districts of Bihar to know the yield gap, technology gap, extension gap, economic return, extent of farmer’s satisfaction, and constraints faced by the farmers, especially mustard growers. The results revealed that the average highest seed yield (15.81 q/ha) of mustard was recorded under the improved scientific production technology of CFLD, which consists of high-yielding varieties (RGN 48, Rajendra Sufalam, and RH 725), seed treatment, timely sowing, nutrient management with sulfur application, management of insect pests, diseases, and weed flora. Whereas, an average existing farmer's practice produced only 11.80 q/ha seed yield of mustard. The highest extension gap (6.10 q/ha) was recorded during 2018–19, whereas the mean extension gap during eight years was 4.01 q/ha. The highest technological gap (11.86 q/ha) and technology index (44.9%) were registered for RGN-48 during 2019–20, and the lowest technology gap (0.47 q/ha) and technology index (3.90%) were recorded for Rajendra Sufalam during 2015–16. Average of 948 farmers plots performance of eight years, demonstration plots under CFLD also obtained higher net return (` 43945/ha) and benefit cost ratio of 2.89 as compared to existing farmers practice.

CFLD, Economics, Gap, Mustard and Yield

Farmers and scientists had a better relationship as a result of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs). The CFLDs demonstration farmers served as the main source of information regarding the more advanced methods of mustard cultivation. They served as a source of pure, high-quality seeds for the following crop in their community and the surrounding area. The farmers' financial problems and standard of living will improve as a result of the CFLDs' significant reduction of the extension and yield gap. On the basis of eight-year investigation, it may be concluded that improved scientific production technology for mustard in CFLD is more productive and profitable as compared to existing farmers practices through organizing and conducting training, group discussions, farmer’s visits, field days, campaigns, and demonstrations.

A.K. Mauriya, Mohammad Hashim, Pankaj Kumar, Mamta Kumari, Raghubar Sahu, R.K. Verma and V. K. Maurya (2023). Promotion of Indian Mustard through Cluster Front Line demonstrations in the Eastern-Gangetic Plains of India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 167-173.