Effect of front line demonstration of improve maize varieties and biofertilizer in central Gujarat

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal grains grown worldwide in a wider range of environments because of its greater adaptability. It is mainly used as a food source and now has become the most important raw material for animal feed. Attempts are made to improve productivity and to increase the area under maize by adopting improved maize varieties. To compare local check total of 165 FLDs were carried out in a systematic manner on the farmer’s field to show the worth of new maize varieties. It was observed the improved maize varieties recorded a higher average yield of 2114.35 kg/ha (GAYMH-1), 2134.32 (GAWMH-2) and 3339 kg/ha (GAWMH-2) in kharif and 3906.47 kg/ha (GAYMH-1) and 3318.56 kg/ha (GAWMH-2) in rabi, respectively. The per cent increase was found to increase 17.58 per cent, 13.00 per cent and 12.42 per cent in kharif and 26.01 per cent and 15.10 per cent in Rabi, respectively. Frontline demonstrations can promote new crops and technologies and improve their popularity. Such improvements in crop technology will help farmers in reducing yield gaps and will improve their knowledge, attitude and skill.