Abstract
The research intervention was conducted in Fogera plain commonly known and consists of (Fogera, Dera and Libokemkem districts) of South Gondar Zone to evaluate economic feasibility of the new tomato production method using plastic shelter under rain fed production condition. Two types of improved tomato varieties were used known as Melkasalsa and melkashola, each variety within 200 m 2 plots of land. A sum of 5 kebeles/sites and 11 technology beneficiaries (farmers) were addressed under this intervention in three districts. Data on input costs, benefits among other parameters were collected and recorded through intensive field observation and follow up, field days, focused group discussion. Quantitative types of data such as yield, participants in different events through field day, training and exchange visit and qualitative types of data like feed backs, farmers’ perception and preference on demonstrated rice technologies. The use of plastic shelter in tomato production under rain-fed condition had considerable impact on yield performance. The relative yield advantage of tomato production using plastic shelter is better than without shelter production. Regarding profitability issues, the result shows, tomato production using plastic shelter was by far profitable than without shelter production in both varieties. The estimated value of marginal rate of return with shelter production was greater than one for both varieties. An investment of one Ethiopian Birr (ETB) on new production method using plastic shelter could generate additional net income of 20 ETB and 14 ETB from melkasalsa and melkashola varieties, respectively. Hence farmers and respective bodies need to strengthen production of tomato in the rainy season using shelter to get more returns and enhance their livelihood and economic benefits. Keywords: Marginal rate of return, Melka Salasa, Melka shola, Partial budget analysis, Plastic shelter, rain-fed DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-1-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2022
Highlights
Tomato production in an open field under rain fed is difficult mainly due to high incidence of diseases
Production of tomatoes during the rainy season is limited by unfavorable conditions such as hail, high rainfall and flooding and strong winds
Integrated approaches for rain fed tomato production in open field condition through the use of disease tolerant varieties and applications of fungicides were evaluated by Fogera Research Center in 2016
Summary
Tomato production in an open field under rain fed is difficult mainly due to high incidence of diseases. Rainy season tomato production under low-cost plastic shelter by avoiding direct contact of rain with tomato foliage avoids favorable condition for disease development. This practice is helpful to produce tomatoes without the use of fungicides contributing towards ensuring continuous production and constant supply of fresh tomatoes throughout the year (Dessie Getahun,2019). By improving the microclimatic condition such as raising the temperature under the shelter, favorable environment for the production of high tomato yield with superior quality will be created This technology is widely practiced elsewhere in the world to produce fresh tomatoes with high quality and yield in the rainy period
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