Assessment of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on Groundnut in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study investigates the performance of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on groundnut yield in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, during the rabi season from 2016-17 to 2019-20. The demonstrations conducted on 350 farmers' fields revealed a significant improvement, with CFLDs achieving an average yield of 3663 kg/ha, 14.92% higher than the prevailing farmers' practice of 3196 kg/ha. Analysis of yield gaps revealed an average yield gap of 4.66 q/ha, indicating potential yield increase through improved practices. The technology gap of 10.51 q/ha and technology index of 21.52% further revealed the effectiveness of CFLDs in bridging the yield gap. The average gross return from the CFLDs was recorded as Rs. 2,01,220 per hectare, which is higher than the gross return from farmers' usual practices (Rs. 1,74,285 per hectare). Similarly, the net return from the CFLDs was recorded at Rs. 1,57,077 per hectare, higher than the net return from farmers' practices (Rs. 1,27,035 per hectare). The average benefit-cost (B: C) ratio in the cluster frontline demonstrations was calculated at 4.64, while in farmers' practices, it was 3.71. Groundnut productivity has notably enhanced by conducting cluster frontline demonstrations and incorporating proven technologies with improved varieties on farmers' fields. This increase has, in turn, improved the income levels of farmers and positively impacted the status of living of the farming community in west Godavari district.