Pre-extension demonstration of triticale (Trticusecole wittm. Ex A. Camus) technology at Kamba Zuria District of Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Although most of the Gamo Zone has indigenous varieties of triticale, farmers use it extensively, yet produce very little. The Dersolign variety demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the adaptation trial of the 5 triticale varieties carried out by Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center to address this issue. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the costs, preferences, and acceptance of triticale technology in the context of farmers during the 2024 Meher cropping season. Kamba Zuria district was purposively selected based on the potential of the crop, and 2 Kebeles were selected purposively based on the potential of the crop. For the study, 2 Farmers Training Centers (FTCs) and 30 farmers were purposively selected. The researchers trained farmers and other stakeholders. 30 farmers’ fields and 2 FTCs at 200 m² sections of nearby fields were used to demonstrate Dersolign and the local check. Seed rates of 150 kg ha^-1 and 100 kg ha^-1 NPS, 50 kg ha^-1 of UREA, and 20 cm between rows were used. Every field received the same application of all recommended agronomic techniques, and the fields were properly managed and regularly checked. Agronomic and social data were gathered through measurements and Focus Group Discussions, respectively. The yield, income, and cost data that were gathered were subjected to mean, percentage, and qualitative analysis. The Dersolign type produced the maximum grain yields from farmers’ fields (4,326 kg ha^-1) and FTC (4,048 kg ha^-1), respectively. Additionally, the t-test result indicated that Dersolign and the local check differ statistically significantly at a 0.05% probability level. According to the results of the Costs and Benefits analysis, farmers that produce Dersolign rather than the local check might profit an extra 46,710 ETB ha^-1 on average. Thus, the Dersolign variety’s seeds should be widely multiplied by the Arba Minch Agricultural Research Centers’ seed multiplication department, and the Kamba Zuria district Agricultural extension section should provide a full package by participating stakeholders.