ROLE OF CLUSTER FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATIONS IN PROMOTING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The present study was conducted to check the role of cluster frontline demonstrations in promoting adoption of improved groundnut production technologies among Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) beneficiaries and non beneficiaries. The data was collected using a structured interview schedule covering major technological components, namely land preparation and sowing, weed management, plant protection and harvesting and post-harvest management. Adoption of individual recommended practices was categorized into full, partial and non-adoption. The findings indicated that CFLD beneficiaries generally exhibited higher levels of full adoption of several improved production practices compared with non-beneficiaries. Among beneficiaries, relatively higher full adoption was observed for cultivation of improved varieties (53.33%), appropriate sowing time (53.33%), manual or mechanical stripping of pods (56.67%), application of FYM (43.34%), and soil application of castor/neem cake (41.67%). In contrast, non-beneficiaries were predominantly concentrated under partial and non-adoption categories for most practices. Particularly large differences were observed for improved varieties, sowing time, FYM application, micronutrient application, biological control practices and harvesting/post-harvest practices. However, certain pest and disease management practices recorded relatively low full adoption among both groups. The findings suggest that CFLDs provided opportunities for farmers to gain practical exposure to improved groundnut technologies and may have contributed to greater adoption of several recommended practices. Strengthening follow-up extension support, demonstrations, farmer training and availability of recommended inputs may further improve adoption.