Productivity enhancement in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as influenced by different improved production technologies

Sesame is one of the important oilseed crops in India. The major constraint of its low productivity isnon-adoption ofimproved technologies by the farmers. Frontline demonstrationsto highlight the impact of different improved technologies like method of sowing, nutrient management, weed management and adoption of whole package of practices of improved technologiesfor the crop were conducted at 45 farmers' fields during kharif 2011, 2012 and 2013 under rainfed conditions. The improved technologies improved the yield attributing traits as well as seed yield of the crop. The improved technology recorded a mean yield of 470 kg/ha which was 30% higher than that obtained with farmer's practice yield of 363 kg/ha. Higher mean net returns of `25,063/ha with a benefit: cost ratio of 2.85 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmer's practice (mean net returns of `17,802/ha and benefit: cost ratio of 2.57).