Comparative yield gaps, economic impact and constraint analysis in front line demonstrations of soybean and black soybean in Uttarakhand hills

Abstract

Soybean and black soybean are important kharif crops which play a vital role in nutritional and livelihood security in Uttarakhand hills. Considering the scope of improvement in productivity through the improved varieties and recommended production technologies, front line demonstrations were conducted by ICAR-VPKAS, Almora during kharif 2015 and 2016. The present study revealed that the average technology gap for black soybean (1.58 q/ha) was lower than soybean (7.87 q/ha) at farmer's field which is suggesting the need to further develop better performing varieties in black soybean than existing ones as the potential yield levels of improved varieties are easily achievable in given environment. The extension gap for black soybean (5.57 q/ha) and soybean (6.25 q/ha), exhibiting the potential of improving productivity by understanding the causes of yield gaps and abridging them with proper interventions. In terms of economic impact based on benefit cost ratio in front line demonstrations, the cultivation of black soybean (1.0) was found more profitable than soybean (0.94) besides, better feasibility of improved technological interventions in black soybean at farmer's field revealed by lower technology index of black soybean (12.72%) than soybean (39.10%). An insight on various constraints causing yield gaps and potential interventions to mitigate them have also been discussed.