On-farm evaluation of improved maize varieties (BH-660. BH-540 and Kuleni) was carried out for two consecutive cropping seasons (1998 and 1999) across locations on 19 sites in northwest Ethiopia. The main objectives of the experiment were to evaluate the performance of maize technology and to demonstrate the package to the farmers and the extension personnel and to collect feedback from participants. The experiment was conducted by comparing improved varieties with their full package of practices (fertilizer rate, inter- and intra-row spacing. land preparation and weeding) with a local variety with farmers. traditional practice. The agronomic and economic analysis clearly indicated that the improved technology is superior to the local variety and farmers. practice. The average mean grain yields of the improved varieties (BH-660. BH-540 and Kuleni) were 9.527. 5.377 and 4.896 kg/ha, respectively. There was an overa1I yield advantage of 5.696. 1.546. 1.065 kg/ha of the improved varieties (BH-660. BH-540 and Kuleni) and a percentage increase of 148.7. 40.4 and 27.8%. respectively over the farmers. method of maize production. The marginal rate of return (MRR) for improved varieties (BH-660. BH-540 and Kuleni) was 499.8.62.8 and 41.3%. respectively. Farmers perceived the higher yield potential of the improved technology. As a result. many farmers showed a great demand for improved varieties. So large-scale dissemination of the improved varieties with their production package is recommended.

English

0409|AGRIS 0401|AL-Maize Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection