IMPACT OF FRONT LINE DEMONSTRATION ON CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) YIELD IMPROVEMENT IN SOUTH TRIPURA Shamsher Singh 1* and M.K.Singh 2* 1 KVK Hailakandi, (ICAR RC for NEH Region), Assam 2 KVK Pampoli, East Kameng Arunachal Pradesh *E-mail: shamshersinghkvk@gmail.com, mr.mksingh2008@rediffmail.com ABSTRACT: One of the major constraints of traditional cabbage cultivation is low productivity due to non-adoption of recommended package of practices and improved varieties by the Tripura cabbage growers. To replace this anomaly, KVK South Tripura under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region was conducted 15 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on recommended production technology of cabbage var. BC-76 in five different villages of the district during Rabi season for two years (2007-08 and 2008-09). Cultivation practices comprised under FLD viz., use of improved variety, recommended planting spacing, balanced fertilizers application and control of pest and diseases. The present study was carried out to know that the yield gaps between improved package of practices and existing farmers practice of cabbage. An average yield of cabbage in FLD ranged from 323.75-338.50 q/ha whereas in existing practice 250.00 q/ha in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Percent increase yield with improved technology over existing practice was recorded in range of 29.50 to 35.40. The extension gap ranging between 73.75-88.50 q/ha during the study period. The trend of technology gap reflected the farmer’s cooperation, in carrying out such demonstrations with encouraging results in subsequent years. Average per hectare net profit was found Rs. 72,000.00 under demonstration while Rs. 42,600.00 under control. The benefit cost ratio was noticed 2.79 and 3.02 with demonstrations whereas 2.37 and 2.48 with farmers practices during 2007-08 and 2008-09, respectively. By conducting frontline demonstration of proven technologies, yield potential from cabbage cultivation can be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income of the farmers. Keywords : Frontline demonstration, technology gap, extension gap, technology index, cabbage. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is, in fact, one of the oldest vegetables. The cabbage has been ranked by the FAO among the top twenty vegetable crops grown, establishing it as an important food source, globally (FAO, 4). It has high water content, is high in fibre, and has significant quantities of protein, calcium and iron. The cabbage is a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, in addition to containing some B vitamins (Adeniji et al. 1; Meena et al. 8; Hasan and Solaiman, 6). It also contains significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid which has anti-inflammatory properties (Caunii et al., 2). Cabbage has a number of anti-oxidative compounds that might be beneficial in the prevention of cancer (Kusznierewicz, et al. 7). This leafy vegetable is used mainly in salads, as a fresh food item, but is also cooked with other foods, and is suitable for processing. The cabbage head may be flat, round or pointed, with variations among these shapes. Green, round headed cabbages are the most common types. Maturity can range from early to late in the growing season. The cabbage is a cool season crop which grows best under cool, moist weather conditions. The cabbage is one of the most important vegetable crops of the North Eastern region. It is grown during the cool season of November to March in Tripura. However, the yield per hectare is low in the district as compared to other parts of country. Low yield per unit area can be attributed to the number of yield affecting factors such as low fertility of land, lack of knowledge of technology on the part of cabbage growers and ultimately low adoption of recommended cultivation technology. One of the objectives of this demonstration was to educate the cabbage growers about its scientific cultivation right from nursery raising stage to increase productivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS In present study performance of hybrid cabbage variety BC-76 against local check was evaluated through frontline demonstrations conducted at farmer’s field during rabi season in the year 2007-08 and 2008-09. The study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra South Tripura under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region. Total 15 frontline demonstrations were conducted on the selected farmers’ fields of five adopted villages i.e. Sataria, Chandrapur, Maharani, Jamjuri, and Dudhpushkarini, in different locations of South Tripura district, Tripura in www.hortflorajournal.com HortFlora Research Spectrum, 3(2): 158-161 (June 2014) ISSN : 2250-2823 Received : 08-03-2014 Accepted : 18-04-2014