Abstract
Frontline demonstration of herbicide was conducted in four districts of Tigray Region with objective of improving productivity of unit area and enhancing the income of farming community. Technology demonstration followed by perception assessment survey was conducted on the direct beneficiaries of the technology. A total of 40 farmers were selected purposively. The herbicide and improved bread wheat was offered. Yield, production cost and perception data were collected. To measure the attitude of farmers towards the improved technology, a five-point Likert scale were used. The data was analyzed using t-test and statistical analytical techniques such as descriptive, frequency, percentage and partial budget analysis. The result of this activity shows that in the four districts, an average of 2236, 2050, 3025 and 2712 kg ha-1 of grain yield were harvested from Pyroxsulam application, whereas, an average of 1689, 1356, 2127 and 1832 kg ha-1 grain yield were harvested from hand weeding, respectively. This can show us that farmers from the districts had an increment of yield by 32.39, 51.18, 42.22 and 48.03% in Hintalo-Wajirat, Enderta, Saesie Tsaeda-Emba and Glomahda districts, respectively. The t-test result also showed that there is statistically significant mean difference between the two groups at less than 5%. The average marginal rate of return of the four districts was 259% and shows greater than the minimum acceptable rate of return (100%). Hence, further scale up need to be made concerning rural institutions. Key words: Demonstration, hand weeding, herbicide, improved wheat, profitability, pyroxsulam.
Highlights
IntroductionIn Ethiopia, wheat is the most important cereal crop in terms of the area of land allocated, volume produced, and the number of farmers engaged in its production
Ethiopia is the largest wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa
The herbicide was applied at early stage (25 to 30 days after emergence) which was effective in weed reduction than the hand weeding which started lately and even not weeded as required
Summary
In Ethiopia, wheat is the most important cereal crop in terms of the area of land allocated, volume produced, and the number of farmers engaged in its production. One of the most limiting factors in the production of wheat in Ethiopia in general, and Tigray region in particular is grassy and broad-leaved weeds. Cropweed competition trials conducted on various farmers field indicated that uncontrolled weed growth resulted to a regional yield reduction of 31% (Agronomy Progress Report, 2012). Though both grasses and broad leaved weeds are responsible for the reduction of yields, the wheat production areas showed similarities in that the grassy weeds wild oat, had become a serious problem
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
