Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations in Inner Kashmir Himalaya

Background: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses despite this, a significant gap between demand and supply persists, necessitating imports. Pulses are a rich source of protein (20-25%) and play a crucial role in nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. Among pulse crops, greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important short-duration legume contributing to soil fertility and farm income. However, its productivity in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kupwara district, remains significantly lower than the national average due to non-availability of improved varieties, poor crop management practices and high incidence of biotic and abiotic stresses. To address these constraints, cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) were implemented under the national food security mission (NFSM) to promote improved production technologies. Methods: The study was conducted by KVK Kupwara during Kharif seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 through 50 frontline demonstrations covering an area of 20 ha in villages including Natnussa, Deedikote, Ogbal, Jumagund and adjoining locations under rainfed conditions. The demonstrations involved improved greengram variety KM-2241 along with a full package of recommended practices, including line sowing, seed treatment with biofertilizers, integrated nutrient management and plant protection measures. Farmers’ traditional practices were maintained as control for comparison. Result: The results revealed that improved technologies significantly enhanced growth, yield attributes and productivity of greengram. The average grain yield under improved technology ranged from 10.5 to 11.5 q ha-1 compared to 5.5 to 6.0 q ha-1 under farmers’ practices, resulting in yield enhancement of 91.00% and 91.66% during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The technology gap decreased from 1.5 to 0.5 q ha-1, while the technology index reduced from 12.5% to 4.16%, indicating better adaptability of improved practices. Economic analysis showed that demonstration plots recorded higher net returns (Rs. 52,500-73,160 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.01-2.41) compared to farmers’ practices (Rs. 15,160-17,500 ha-1 and 0.67-0.77, respectively), highlighting the economic viability of improved technologies. The study clearly demonstrates that adoption of improved greengram production technologies through CFLDs can substantially enhance productivity, profitability and farmer adoption in the Inner Kashmir Himalayan region. Scaling up of such demonstrations, strengthening extension services and ensuring timely availability of quality inputs are essential to bridge the yield gap and promote sustainable pulse production.