Considering that non-adoption of improved groundnut technologies by the small and resource-poor
farmers is due to non-availability of quality seeds, poor knowledge, inappropriateness of technologies,
etc., in the current study, improved groundnut technologies have been implemented through participatory
mode so as to generate awareness about improved technologies among them. The participatory approach
could make the farmers to learn, adopt and spread new technologies. The economic indicators have shown
that a net return of Rs 7104 per ha was realized by adopting improved varieties and integrated crop
management (ICM) package during kharif season, and it is higher than the returns realized by growing
local variety (AK-12-24) with local practice (Rs 2010/ha). The cost of production has been found to be Rs
11.04/kg and 13.98/kg among the improved practice and farmers’ practice, respectively. A similar trend of
higher net returns (Rs 13820/ha) and lower cost of production (Rs 8.86 per/kg) has been observed with
improved practice during the rabi season, compared to the lower net returns (Rs 6309/ha) and higher cost
of production (Rs 11.34 per/kg) with farmers’ practice. The informal seed supply system implemented
through seed bank operation in a participatory mode has increased the improved groundnut seed availability
at the village level. The seed multiplication programme could increase the spread of improved varieties
from 32 ha to 69 ha in the adopted villages and from 15.9 ha to 85 ha in the neighbouring villages within a
period of three years. It will help increase productivity levels of crops and income of farmers. The informal
seed supply system implemented through seed bank operation has been found very successful in the
faster technology spread. Hence, this model may be replicated in other areas to provide improved seeds to
small and marginal farmers. It will also help in achieving self-sufficiency in improved varietal needs at the
village level