Demonstrating the impact of improved fennel production technologies on yield and income in arid Kachchh

Abstract

It is customary in India to offer fennel seeds after a meal and eating fennel seeds after a meal is considered a healthy practice, primarily because of its ability to keep the digestive system healthy. Frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on Fennel were organized by ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj in different villages of Anjar and Bhuj Talukas of Kachchh from 2019-20 to 2021-22. The high-yielding variety Gujarat Fennel-12 was evaluated at the farmer’s field under the frontline demonstration programme (FLDs). A total of 60 demonstrations were conducted in 24 ha area at farmers’ fields against farmer’s practice in arid Kachchh of Gujarat.  The average seed yield under improved practice was 2160 kg ha^–1 compared to the farmer’s practice (1770 kg ha^–1) and increased significantly by 22.08% on average over farmer’s practice output. The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 390.00 kg ha^-1, 240.00 kg ha^-1 and 10.00%, respectively. Through the adoption of improved practices, farmers get additional average returns of Rs.22562 ha^-1. During this period to strengthen technology dissemination and promote wider adoption, KVK Kukma, Bhuj also formed fennel growers in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and ATMA. During the period, four training programmes and field days were organized, through which more than 550 farmers were educated about improved fennel production technologies, including the use of improved varieties and recommended agronomic practices. Frontline demonstrations programme created greater awareness, attitude and skill to adopt improved practices of Fennel and therefore, increased their production and economics.