Pre-extension Demonstration of Improved Teff Technologies at Shashogo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Teff is a highly important crop in Ethiopia in terms of both production and consumption. Population growth, low incomes, and urbanization have all contributed to an increase in demand for teff, which is predicted to continue. However, the teff production system largely depends on traditional methods. As a result, the crop yield has not reached at the desired level. Therefore, the pre-extension demonstration of improved teff technologies was conducted at Shashogo district of Hadiya zone with the objective to increase production and build farmers’ knowledge and skill on improved teff production and management techniques in 2023 meher cropping season. Two kebeles, namely Hoyawa and Deda, were selected purposively based on potential for teff production. With the cooperation of all parties involved, trainings and conversations were used to provide all essential awareness. Areka-1 (improved variety) and Cr-37 (standard check) were demonstrated on 50 mX50 m area of each variety on 10 farmers adjacent fields with seed rate of 25 kgha-1, NPS 100 kgha-1andUrea 50 kgha-1. All suggested agronomic methods were employed uniformly throughout all fields. Regarding grain yield, 19.63 Qt ha-1 and 14.76 Qt ha-1 was obtained from Areka-1 variety and Cr-37 from Hoyawa kebele, respectively. Similarly, 20.22 Qt ha-1 and 16.31 Qt ha-1 grain yields was obtained from Areka-1 and Cr-37 from Deda kebele, respectively. The cost benefit analysis results also showed that using Areka-1 can make farmers more profitable than Cr-37. At maturity, the varieties were also jointly evaluated by the respective researchers and also a team consisting of researchers, farmers and development agents. Although there was a slight difference in standards by farmers at two kebeles; lodging resistance, early maturity, disease resistance, seed color, threshability, tillering capacity, high yield, spike length and plant height were the common selection criterias. Almost in two kebeles, Areka-1 was on the first rank and met the farmer’s criteria. Therefore, the extension system of the area should widely scale up the Areka-1 variety urgently.