Evaluation of IPM Modules against Fall Armyworm in Maize through Frontline Demonstration and Its Economic Impact

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess IPM modules against Fall Armyworm in Maize through Frontline Demonstration and its economic impact.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh during the period 2020-2023.

Methodology: The main objective of frontline demos is to demonstrate recently available crop production and protection technology, as well as their management practices, in a farmer's field in a micro farming setting. The KVK, Reddipalle conducted front line demonstrations on maize throughout rabi seasons of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022–2023, as part of annual technical programme of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Reddipalle, Ananthapuramu district organised 30 FLD locations in KVK operational area of adopted villages. Following a group discussion, a list of farmers was created, and those who were chosen received specialised training in various parts of suggested protection technologies.

Results: According to the current results and subsequent analysis of the results, maize reported a higher total (91120 Rs ha-1) when compared to farmers practice (74309 Rs ha-1). The benefit cost ratio was significantly higher in the recommended approach (2.51) when compared to farmers practice (2.12). The higher grain output and better market pricing of the produce may be the causes of the maize demonstration's higher net returns and B: C ratio.

Conclusion: The FLD intervention is highly effective among maize farmers with increased net returns of 13618 rupees per hectare. Hence, FLD plays a vital role in dissemination of technology on a community basis when compared to other approaches.