GAP ANALYSIS OF RAPESEED CULTIVATION IN WEST GARO HILLS OF MEGHALAYA

Demonstrations on rapeseed variety M 27 were conducted at farmers’ fields in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya during rabi seasons of the year 2012-13 & 2013-14 under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) programme covering an area of 461 ha with 863 farmers. The study was undertaken to analyze the yield gap and economics of rapeseed cultivation. On two years overall average, about 32.36 per cent higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations than the farmers’ traditional practices. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 211 kg/ ha, 137 kg/ha and 13.70%, respectively. An additional investments of Rs.300 per ha coupled with scientific monitoring of demonstrations and non-monetary factors resulted in additional net return of Rs. 6030 per ha. The benefit cost ratio was found 2.94 in demonstration and 2.30 in farmers’ practice with incremental benefit: cost ratio of 0.64.