Exploring farmer perceptions and evaluating the performance of mung bean (Vigna radiata L) varieties in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The experiment is designed to evaluate the yield performance and profitability of mung bean varieties and to survey the innovation inclination of the farmers in the study area. The experiment was carried out in the potential environments of the North Shewa zone for two years during the main growing period. As experimental treatments, four mung bean cultivars of Rasa, NLV-1, Arkebe, and local varieties were used and evaluated across the four environments (two farmers’ fields per each environment). The experimental plots were arranged in a simple random block design. The result of the combined analysis of variance revealed that there was highly significant variation (p < 0.01) of grain yield among the genotypes while the environments and genotype by environment interaction are found insignificant. The highest mean grain yield of 1430.6 kg ha−1 was obtained from the improved variety Rasa, which was selected first by the farmers followed by the variety NVL-1. The results also confirmed the existence of a strong and statistically significant association between the actual values rank and the farmers' preference rank for both grain and biomass yields (R = .80, p < .001). Also, the variety Rasa provides the highest (686.6%) marginal rate of return on investment. Therefore, by considering the results of the grain yield performance, farmers’ selection, and the result of the partial budget analysis the variety Rasa was recommended for the study areas.