Impact of Improved Crop Management Practices on Yield, Economics and Insect Pest Dynamics of Kharif Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Punjab

Abstract

Background: Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is an important pulse crop, but its productivity in Punjab remains low due to poor adoption of recommended practices and damage caused by insect pests. Improving crop management along with an understanding of pest dynamics is essential for enhancing productivity and profitability. Methods: The present study evaluated the impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on yield, economics and insect pest dynamics of Kharif black gram during three consecutive seasons (2020-21 to 2022-23) in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, with comparative pest observations from Kapurthala district. A total of 114 demonstrations covering 40 ha were conducted using the recommended package of practices, while farmers’ practice served as the local check. Result: Demonstration plots recorded significantly higher grain yield (7.10-7.25 q ha-1), registering a yield advantage of 26.09-32.71% over farmers’ practice. Improved yield resulted in higher net returns (₹8,905-11,220 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.26-1.36). Seasonal monitoring of insect pests revealed whitefly and jassid as the predominant sucking pests during the vegetative stage, while pod borers (Maruca vitrata and Spodoptera litura) caused maximum damage during pod formation. Peak pest incidence was consistently observed during Standard Meteorological Weeks 36-38. Pod damage due to major borers was considerably lower under demonstration plots, indicating the effectiveness of timely, need-based pest management interventions. High farmer acceptance and willingness to continue the demonstrated technologies further validated their practicality. The study highlights that integration of improved agronomic practices with stage-specific pest management is essential for enhancing productivity and profitability of black gram under Punjab conditions.