Effects of Zero Tillage Technology in Wheat under Humid Subtropical Climate of Begusarai, Bihar, India

The study was conducted in Rabi of 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Begusarai district of Bihar under Frontline Demonstration programme on “Zero Tillage (ZT)” technology in wheat cultivation by KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) Begusarai. The data on Productivity, Economics, Extension gap and Water saving were calculated and compared with the farmer’s practice (FP). In ZT wheat cultivation, saving in cost of crop establishment, water saving and net return were observed more than FP. The average productivity was recorded 50.37 q/ha and 43.13 q/ha in case of ZT and FP respectively, correspondingly crop establishment cost in case of ZT was found 30.55 per cent lower than FP. Similarly, overall average net return in case of ZT wheat cultivation was recorded as Rs 70813/ha per hectare which is 61 % higher than FP. The average calculated B:C ratio for ZT and FP was 3.47 and 2.06 respectively. The average extension gap, Technology gap and Technology index for three consecutive years were perceived 7.24 q/ha, 7.55 q/ha and 18.66 % respectively. It has been observed that there was decreasing trend of extension gap and technology gap in the selected area which reflects the satisfactory adoption rate of the demonstrated technology for the cultivation of wheat. It was recorded that ZT is significantly superior over the FP in terms of several parameters under the study.