Pre-extension Demonstration of Maize (Zea mays L) Technology at Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern, Ethiopia

Abstract

The pre extension demonstration of maize technology with its full package were done to create awareness of farmers and agricultural extension agents and to enhance the rapid adoption and diffusion of the technology. four varieties of maize MH-140,MH-130,MHQ-138 and Gibe2- were demonstrated with its full package at Gamo Gofa zone, Mirab Abaya Woreda in two FTCs and at 20 farmers field. It was implemented at 100m² area by applying all the recommended agronomic practices. Twenty five(25) kilogram per hectare seed rate were used and 100 kg NPS and one third of Urea were used during sowing time. This pre extension demonstration works are farmers oriented and participatory, so farmers(male headed and women headed as well as youth groups) were visiting and evaluating the demonstration maize at three crop growth stages(2 leaf stage, topdressing and maturity stages) and finally field day was organized and different stakeholders from Kebele, Woreda, Zone, and research Institute, and more than 300 farmers were participated and the results promoted through different Media like Brochures, FM radio and Southern TVs. The yield data were collected and partial budget analysis were conducted and {MH-140 myp=64.2, NR=29,168 MH-130 myp=61.3, NR=27,602, MHQ-138 myp=50.5, NR= 21,770, Gibe two myp= 47.53, NR=20,166 ETB}.While myp is mean yield performance and NR is net return. Finally farmers select MH-140 variety as best from all variety through judging it by different defined criteria.

Keywords: Demonstration, Farmers, Maize, Variety and Technology