Impact of frontline demonstrations in transfer of technology for management of paddy leaf folder

The present study was conducted to popularize the recommended practice for the management of paddy leaf folder through frontline demonstrations in Panchmahal district of central Gujarat. Results indicated that application of insecticide in recommended practices, i.e., indoxacarb 15.8 EC @ 0.015 per cent (79 g a.i./ha) was found most effective in managing leaf folder as compared to farmers practices. Demonstration plots recorded minimum mean pest infestation (0.38 larvae/hill) and higher yield (39.50 q/ha) as compared to farmers practices recorded higher pest infestation (1.44 larvae/hill) and lower yield (32.50 q/ha). The percentage increased in the yield over farmer’s practices was computed to be 21.54 %. Results of study on economic analysis of the yield performance revealed that the recommended practices recorded appreciable higher gross returns (Rs.71,100/ha) and net return (Rs.32,000/ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.82) as compared to farmer’s practices (1.52). The technology gap (10.50 q/ha), extension gap (7.00 q/ha) and the technology index values (21.00 %) were recorded. Frontline demonstrations brought out that the recommended practice was feasible and economically viable over farmers practice and was a better option to adopt for managing paddy leaf folder.