2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 6

author(s)
M Sunil Kumar, BV Rajkumar, G Shivacharan, K Rajashekar, D Mohan Das, A Ramadevi, Y Praveen Kumar and T Anjaiah

abstract
In Northern Telangana, ridge gourd is a favored crop due to its nutritional value and culinary uses, but growers face challenges with unstable yields and a lack of optimal practices. To address these issues, frontline demonstrations (FLDs) promoting the high-yielding Arka Prasan variety were conducted by KVK, Adilabad and KVK, Rudrur. The study aimed to bridge technology gaps and enhance yields to improve farmers income. Data were collected through benchmark surveys, structured interviews and secondary sources. The FLDs incorporated advanced cultivation techniques, including pandal cultivation, drip irrigation and mulching. The results from 2022-23 and 2023-24 indicated significant improvements in agricultural productivity and economic returns for the demonstration plots compared to traditional practices. The demonstration plots achieved an average yield of 13,664 kg ha^-1, a substantial increase over the 11,300 kg ha^-1 yield from check plots, reflecting an 18.34% and 23.56% yield increase in 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. The cost of cultivation was also lower for the demo plots, averaging Rs. 1,19,150 ha^-1, compared to Rs. 1,24,288 ha^-1 for the check plots. Consequently, economic returns were higher with average gross returns of Rs. 2,80,020 ha^-1 and net returns of Rs. 1,56,408 ha^-1 for demo plots, versus Rs. 2,19,483 ha^-1 and Rs. 99,658 ha^-1 for check plots. The benefit-cost ratio for demo plots averaged 2.35 significantly outperforming the 1.76 ratio for check plots. Despite these successes, high technology index values (48.00% in 2022-23 and 46.89% in 2023-24) indicate the need for improved extension services, farmer training and better dissemination of best practices. Targeted interventions could further enhance productivity and profitability fully realizing the potential of the Arka Prasan variety.