Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development
Year : 2008, Volume : 3, Issue : 2
First page : ( 66) Last page : ( 69)
Print ISSN : 2230-9047.

Inducing Varietal Diversity in Soybean and Maize Through Frontline Demonstrations in Madhya Pradesh

Singh A.K.¹, Scientist-Ag.Extn. (Sr. Scientist), Pandey H. N.¹, Head and Principal Scientist, Singh Yashwant², Area Executive

¹IARI Regional Station, Indore, M.P.

²BASIX, Dholpur, Rajasthan

Abstract

The productivity of Soybean-maize, the most dominant cropping system of Madhya Pradesh, has declined due to poor varietal diversity and lack of extension of appropriate technologies. Taking this into consideration, soybean Variety Pusa-16 (selection) and maize varieties CM 137, CM 138 and NLDC were evaluated and introduced on farmers field with the aim of enriching varietal diversity in M.P. 41 demonstrations were conducted with variety Pusa 16 (S) in Indore, Dewas and Jhabua in 10.38 hectares area, between 2002 to 2006. Farmers earned net profits (Rs/ha) of Rs. 7719 in Soybean and Rs. 18205 in Maize. Farmers realized gross profits per quintal grain production to the tune of Rs.371/q in soybean and Rs 768/q in Maize even under unfavorable conditions. The results of the study indicated that cultivation technologies of new varieties of Soybean and Maize utilized more manual labour (63 ha/ha in Soybean and 84 mandays/ha in Maize) leading to more employment opportunities and equity in rural areas.

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