International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Sibani Das, Masfiqual Hussain, Bonti Gogoi and Luna Barooah

abstract
A field trial was conducted with African marigold variety Seracole during 2^nd week of March, 2019–20 and 2020–21 as summer planting in Matikhola, Lokhonabondha and Bengennati villages of Nagaon district of Assam with the objective of popularizing summer marigold (variety - Seracole) among the farmers through a Front Line Demonstration (FLD). Front Line Demonstration is an appropriate tool to demonstrate recommended technologies among the farmers under the close supervision of scientist. October planted winter marigolds were grown as control. The data were collected on growth and yield parameters and economic indicators. The results showed that the winter marigold had an average flower weight of 6.73 gm, shelf life of 12.53 days and the yield was 234.20 q ha^-1 which was closely followed by summer marigold with average flower weight of 5.82 gm, shelf life of 11.15 days and the yield was 199.92 q ha^-1 respectively with good compact flowering. It is obvious from the study that variety Seracole have good economic potential so farmers may grow both as summer and winter varieties. However, summer marigold gave higher profit compared to winter marigold as it fetched best market price due to summertime scarcity and increased market demand. During the two years of study, summer marigold proved to be more advantageous than winter planting in terms of both B.C. ratio 4.34 and high net return Rs.538317.00 ha^-1.