Abstract

Raja Singh, Shah Ratan and Ratan T.A

Dungarpur is one of the most backward districts of Rajasthan (India) having 69.5% of area as rainfed. Maize (Zea mays), Paddy (Oryzae sativa) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) are the three major cereal crops grown in the district. Farm Science Centre known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down Front Line Demonstrations on these three cereal crops under NAIP project by introducing some new varieties and applying scientific package of practices in their cultivation. The productivity and economic returns of maize, paddy and wheat in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practices (local checks). All the three cereal crops recorded higher gross returns, net return and benefit cost ratio in improved technologies as compared to the plots where farmers were using traditional practices in their cultivation. It is suggested that location-specific integrated approaches would be needed to bridge the productivity gap of the cereal crops grown in the district.