Enhancing Livelihood Security in Arid Land through Use of Bio-pesticides in Cumin(Cuminum cyminum L.)

Assessment of the use of improved varieties of cumin (RZ-209 and GC-4) along with treatments of two low cost ecofriendly biopesticides, i.e. soil application of neem cake (NC) and seed treatment with Aspergillus versicolor (Av) were conducted in the farmer's fields at 65 locations in Bheenjwadia village Jodhpur district during rabi seasons of 2010 to 2013. Application of NC in improved variety, increased seed yield by 16.85 and 20.73 % in GC-4 and RZ-209 respectively, over control. Similarly, seed yield of cumin was obtained 18.77 % higher due to use of NC in local variety. Use of neem cake in improved and local variety of cumin provided Rs.3466, Rs.3400 and Rs.5300/ha in local, GC-4 and RZ-209 as net returns over control. A net returns was obtained Rs. 2627, Rs.2110 and Rs. 2193/ha in local, GC-4 and RZ-209 respectively due to seed treatment with Av. as compared to control.