Demonstration of Improved Baler in Selected Kebeles of Kafta Humera Wereda of Western Zone of Tigray

Abstract

The study aimed to demonstrate baler in four farmers' research groups in selected kebeles of Kafta Humera district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Each kebele had one farmers' group, resulting in four groups of 15 members each. Farmers and development agents received practical training on baler operation before the experiment. Data on time, manpower, transport and storage space, lubricant consumption, and loaded weight per trip of both grass hays and hay losses for unbaled hay were recorded for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, farmers' attitudes were assessed using a checklist. Results showed that baled hay had a significantly higher loaded weight per trip (12.50±0.23 ton/trip) than unbaled grass hay (7.24±0.24 ton/trip), with a comparative advantage of 5.26±0.28 ton per ton more weights of baled hay being transported. Baling also significantly reduced the space required for transportation and storage of grass hay from 9.20±0.66 m3 /ton (unbaled) to 7.20±0.14 m3 /ton (baled), with a space savings of 2.00±0.66 m3 /ton. Balers also significantly decreased the time and labor required for baling, loading, and uploading of grass hay from 5.0±0.29 hours and 4.52±0.34 labor per ton (unbaled) to 4.39±0.36 hours and 3.72±0.10 labor per ton (baled), with savings of time (1.08±0.35 hours/ton) and labor (0.80±0.38 labor/ton). Baled grass hay had lower lubricant consumption (11.14±0.42 liters/ton) than unbaled grass hay (12.63±0.43 liters/ton), with a comparative fuel savings of 1.48±0.16 liters per ton. There was a hay loss of 0.002±0.001 ton per a single trip from loading up to uploading of unbaled hay. Farmers perceived that the baler improves hay lifespan, reduces costs, labor, and time, minimizes wastage, enhances zero grazing, and creates income opportunities. Farmers expressed a strong desire to own balers individually or in groups. Therefore, wider introduction of balers is recommended for further popularization and expansion of the technology.