Assessment of yield and economic indicators in clusterbean grown in front-line demonstration under rainfed conditions in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan

Abstract

Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), an important legume crop of arid and semi-arid regions, plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers in Rajasthan due to its drought tolerance, soil-enriching properties, and industrial applications. This study was undertaken to assess the yield potential and economic viability of an improved clusterbean variety, RGC-1033, compared to local farmer varieties under rainfed conditions in the Jhunjhunu district through Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) during Kharif 2023 and 2024. The results revealed that RGC-1033 consistently outperformed the control varieties, recording an average yield of 17.68 quintal/ha compared to 15.01 quintal/ha under farmer practices, with yield increases of 17.57% and 18.12% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The extension and technology gaps indicated the need for improved dissemination and adoption of recommended practices. Economically, the improved variety demonstrated higher profitability with a gross return of ₹98,450/ha and ₹78,350/ha, and a net return of ₹62,825/ha and ₹42,650/ha in 2023 and 2024, respectively, compared to lower returns from local varieties. The benefit-cost (B:C) ratio also improved under demonstration plots (2.76 and 2.19) over farmer practices (2.43 and 1.91). These findings underscore the significance of adopting improved clusterbean varieties and scientific practices to bridge the yield and technology gaps, thereby enhancing farmer income under rainfed agro-ecologies.