Abstract

Rakesh Kumar

Barley (Hordium vulgare, L.) is cultivated since ancient times for several purposes like food grain, feed and fodder for cattle and breweries. Non adoption of recommended package of practices and improved varieties are major causes of low productivity of barley in the transitional plane of inland drainage zone of Rajasthan state. The present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of recommended package of practices to augment yields on farmers’ fields in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan during 2009-10 to 2011-12. The improved cultivation package comprises high yielding variety, application of fertilizer and micronutrient, control of insect-pest and diseases by use of insecticide and fungicide at economic threshold level. The findings revealed that the adoption of the improved cultivation package improves yields by 13.89 to 21.66 % as compared to conventional cultivation practices. Technology and extension gap in cultivar RD 2552 was 8.50 and 5.10 q/ha and in RD 2660 was 6.50 and 8.10 q/ha, respectively. Yield gaps can be further minimized by crop technology demonstration. Data on technology index reduced from 18.00 % in 2009-10 to 12.50 % in 2011-12 exhibited the feasibility of the technology demonstration.