Augmentation of Higher Yields and Economic Profitability in Blackgram through ClusterFront Line Demonstrations at Southern Agro-climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

The yield of blackgram was realized ranged from 500 to 700 kg ha -1 which is low compared to the
potential yield under irrigated conditions. Since there is a huge scope to increase the yield under this
situation by creating awareness on latest technologies, Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College
and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University intervened by conducting Front
Line Demonstrations (FLDs) with latest technologies as a full package. The package included improved
practices viz. varieties and technologies for crop establishment, weed, nutrient, pest and disease
management and moisture stress mitigation in blackgram. A total of 50 FLDs under 40 hectares were
conducted in Nanguneri blocks of Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu during 2019-20
under TNIAMP- (Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project) in Pachaiyar Sub Basin. The
yield obtained in individual farmer’s holding revealed that, in blackgram, a maximum grain yield of 832
kg ha -1 was obtained with latest technologies at Nanguneri Block of Tirunelveli district which is 19.5%
higher than farmer’s practice (696 kg ha -1 ). In terms of monetary advantage, 28.0% higher net return was
realized. It is inferred that, the increase in awareness level on varieties, time of sowing, seed rate, seed
treatment, herbicide application, foliar spray, moisture stress mitigation and pest and disease
management contributed to higher yields and income. The above results confirm that the adoption of
scientifically improved technologies over farmers practice will improve the productivity of pulses in the
state as well as in country which can help in minimize the pulse production and consumption gaps.