Impact through a front-line demonstration on yield and economics of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) in arid Kachchh of Gujarat

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. Seed spices played an important role in the Indian economy under agricultural commodities for a long time. Front 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 front line demonstration programme (FLDs). A total of 60 demonstrations were conducted in 24 ha area at farmer’s 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 the 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 adopting improved practices, farmers get additional average returns of Rs.22562 ha-1. During this period the extension activities like farmer’s training, distribution of literature, diagnostic visits etc. were taken to provide instant benefit to the farmers. Frontline demonstrations programme created greater awareness, attitude and skill to adopt improved practices of Fennel and therefore, increased their production and economics.