Pre-extension demonstration of Farm Yard Manure with Inorganic fertilizer (NPSB) for Potato production in Semen Bench Woreda, Bench Sheko Zone, South Western Ethiop

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food security crops in Ethiopia in general and south western Ethiopia in particular. In spite of its importance, the productivity is low mainly due to poor agronomic practices, inconsistent weather condition and use of lowquality seed tubers. Therefore, pre demonstration of potato production was conducted at two Kebeles of Semen Bench Districts, Bench-Sheko Zone, South western Ethiopia in 2021 main cropping season with the objective of boosting production and productivity of potato by creating awareness between respective body about recommended fertilizer technology under farmers’ fields in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies. From the district two kebeles were selected based on their potential to produce potato. Consequently, 15 farmers of gender inclusive and one FTC were nominated at each trial sites. Each farmer contributing 0.03 ha hectare. Two recommended fertilizer technologies (10 t/ha FYM, 5 t/ha FYM + 125 kg/ha NPSB+76 kg/ha urea and one farmers activities) were demonstrated. Training was given for farmers, Development agents and stakeholders. Recommended seed and row between space and plant were used with all management practices. Joint monitoring and evaluation were organized and undertaken. Quantitative data such as yield were collected and measured. A mean yield of 1.11, 1.58 and 2.45 tons ha-1 potato yield was obtained from control, (10 t/ha FYM, 5 t/ha FYM + 125 kg/ha NPSB+76 kg/ha urea respectively. The technology is very importance in improving livelihood of farmers as more yields could be harvested. Hence, responsible stakeholders should handover to sustain the technology and reach more number of farmers over similar agro ecologies. Using chemicals for late and early potato blight disease, early planting and appropriate storage are recommended. Even though the farmers were not select the best performing fertilizer technology, 5 t ha-1 FYM + 125 kg/ha NPSB+76 kg/ha urea was recommended in the study area due to its high potato yield (2.45 tons ha-1).