Pre Extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Chickpea Varieties (<i>Cicer arietinum</i> L.) Varieties at Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District, Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The demonstration and evaluation activity was conducted at Adami Tulu Iiddo Kombolcha district of East Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Improved chickpea varieties (Minjar and Habru) were demonstrated as a follow up of participatory variety selection activity. The objectives were to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of selected varieties along with their management practices under farmers’ circumstances, to see the financial return of chickpea production in the study area and to raise farmers’ knowledge and skill on chickpea production and management practices. Sites were selected in collaboration with respective district office of agriculture experts and Development Agents. Trainings were given for farmers, Development Agents, experts and other stakeholders. The Participating farmers were also capacitated through follow up exchange visits and field days. Recommended seed and fertilizer rate were used for the demonstration trial establishment. Accordingly, the results indicate no statistically significant yield difference at (P<0.05). Numerically, the mean grain yield harvested was 24.92 ± 1.97 and 23.33 ± 2.20 qt/ha from minjar and Habru varieties, respectively. In terms of financial return the results indicated that an average return of 62,326.00 Birr can be obtained from minjar chickpea variety in one production season in the study area. Thus, Minjar variety is recommended for future scaling up works.