Impact of frontline demonstrations (FLD) in maize across diverse agro - ecologies of India

Abstract

Frontline Demonstrations (FLD) of improve package of practices of maize was undertaken across 30 centres/locations of 11 diverse agro-climatic zones of India to explore the efficacy of FLD in improving maize yield across different seasons and regions. Meticulous research conducted at multiple research centres revealed significant advancements in crop productivity achieved through FLD implementation when compared to conventional Farmers’ Practices (FP). The study displayed an ardent enhancement of maize grain yield in Western Himalayan (48.0–58.6%), Eastern Himalayan (29.8–132.7%), Lower Gangetic plain (14.2%), Middle Gangetic plain (5.5– 41.3%), Upper Gangetic plain (54.6%), Trans Gangetic plain (6.2–92.8%), Eastern plateau and hills (85.0%), Central plateau and hills (39.5–46.0%), Western plateau and hills (29.6–46.0%), Southern plateau and hills (5.1– 21.4%), Gujarat plains and hills (28.1%) through FLD over FP. The cumulative findings from all agroclimatic zones indicated that FLD contributed to a significant 37.2 per cent increase in maize productivity across India. Although FP consistently outperformed FLD in most scenarios, the study highlighted the significance of FLD in enhancing maize yield, especially during the spring season. These results underscore the immense potential of FLD in revolutionizing agricultural productivity and offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to adopt evidence-based interventions, ultimately benefiting farmers and ensuring food security and agricultural resilience across the country.