International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
MG Basavanagowda, TN Devaraja, and DV Kolekar

abstract
Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) were conducted during 2023–24 in Arakere village of Jagalur Taluk, Davanagere district, Karnataka, to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of improved chilli production technologies under farmers’ field conditions. The demonstrated package included a high-yielding hybrid ‘Sitara’, soil test-based nutrient management (RDF 150:75:75 kg N: P?O?:K?O ha?¹), application of Arka Microbial Consortium (20 ml L?¹ at 10 DAT), foliar nutrition with Vegetable Special (5 g L?¹ at 30 and 45 DAT), and integrated pest and disease management (IPDM). Results revealed significant improvement in growth and yield parameters over farmers’ practice. The demonstration plots recorded higher mean plant height (107.4 cm), fruit number (234.4 plant?¹), and fruit length (12.34 cm), with an average yield of 173.52 q ha?¹ representing a 36% increase over the check (127.3 q ha?¹). Economic analysis showed enhanced gross returns (?2, 08,224 ha?¹), net returns (?1, 18,294 ha?¹), and benefit–cost ratio (2.32) compared to the check (1.77). Incidence of major pests and diseases was substantially reduced under IPDM. The study highlights that adoption of improved production technologies under FLDs enhances chilli productivity, profitability, and sustainability, thereby demonstrating their potential for large-scale dissemination among chilli growers in Karnataka.