Pre-extension demonstration of improved black cumin varieties in Bale zone, southeastern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Pre-extension demonstration of improved black cumin varieties was conducted in Goro and Ginnir districts of Bale zone. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate recently released (Gemechis and Soressa) varieties along with standard and local checks. The demonstration was under taken on single plot of 10mx10m area for each variety with row planting, recommended full package. Mini-field day involving different stakeholders was organized at each respective site. Yield data per plot was recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics, while farmers’ preference to the demonstrated varieties was identified using focused group discussion and summarized using pair wise ranking methods. The demonstration result revealed that Soressa variety performed better than the other varieties followed by Gemechis, local and Dirshaye varieties with an average yield of 15.125qtha^-1, 14.57qtha^-1, 11.145qtha^-1 and 10.125qtha^-1 respectively. Furthermore, this variety was selected by farmers. Thus, Soressa variety was recommended for further scaling up.