Adoption gap of improved production technology of chickpea among beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers of front line demonstrations of Bhavnagar district

Abstract

Pulses serve as a crucial protein source, especially for vegetarians, with the Bhavnagar district in the Saurashtra region playing a significant role in chickpea production. Scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in this area are actively encouraging farmers to embrace improved production technology for chickpea crops through various extension activities, including Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs). A study conducted in four tehsils of Bhavnagar district aimed to assess the impact of these efforts on 160 respondents, (comprising 80 FLD beneficiaries and 80 non-beneficiary farmers). The analysis focused on identifying the adoption gap for improved chickpea cultivation technology. The findings revealed that beneficiary farmers exhibited the highest adoption gap in the aspect of "Plant protection (including weed)" (80.16), while the least adoption gap was observed in the category of "Market" practices (68.13) related to improved chickpea production technology. On the other hand, non-beneficiary farmers showed the maximum adoption gap concerning "Crop Nutrient" (88.19), with the least adoption gap identified in the category of "Market” (78.13) of improved chickpea production technology