Cluster Based Large Scale Demonstration of Irrigated Wheat Production Technologies in East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopian government has initiated a wheat self-sufficiency strategies through increasing wheat productivity and expansion of production to the irrigable land areas. This study investigated Cluster based large scale demonstration of irrigated bread wheat production in Wayu Tuka and Jima Arjo Districts. Irrigated bread wheat production and build local capacity for wider adoption of irrigated bread wheat production technologies practices in East wollega Zone were the main objectives of the activity. A total of 487 farmers were addressed in both districts. It was done in well-functioned eight irrigation schemes in Wayu Tuka and one irrigation schemes in Jima Arjo district. Site and farmers were selected possessively based on irrigation and production potential of the commodity, farmers’ willingness and accessibility for supervision and input transportation. Improved bread wheat variety of “kingbird” for Wayu Tuka and “Dendea” for Jima Arjo District were planted at a rate of 150 kg/ha on a total land size of 124ha. Extension services such as advisory, inputs, training and field day were delivered and organized for the farmers, extension agents and others. Training was given before the implementation of the activity for a total of 80 farmers, 11 extension agents and 18 agricultural experts. Besides, training advisory services were continuously given for farmers from the land preparation up to threshing. Field day was conducted with a participants of 36 agricultural experts, 15 extension agents and 386 farmers. The maximum grain yield (66.06 qt/ha) was recorded from Goto Cluster in Wayu district. While the over all average grain yield obtained from a hectare of land is accounted 44.22 and 39.5 quintals in Wayu Tuka and Jima Arjo District respectively. Totally, 2435 peoples were benefited either directly or in directly from the implemented irrigated wheat production. Therefore, It is better to strengthen current awareness and should be continued for improving productivity of the crop in a sustainable manner.