Pre-Scaling up of In Situ Moisture Conservation Techniques on Maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Dugda District

The activity was conducted during 2019 cropping season in Dugda District of Tepho Choroke Kebele.  The objective was to scale up the selected in situ moisture conservation structures with maize crop (Tied ridge and furrow closed at both ends), improved farmers' knowledge and skills on application of improved technology through training and analyzed cost benefit of the structures. Five FREG groups were established in Tepho Choroke kebele of Dugda District. The total number FREG members were hold 30 male and 10 female farmers. A total of 130  farmers, 2 DAs, 4 SMS and 16 others were participated on the training respectively. The mean yield obtained from tied ridge and furrow closed at both ends were 99.41 and 86.74 kg ha -1 , respectively and sold 850 Birr Qt -1 at the current price. The net benefit obtained from tied ridge and furrow closed at both ends were 56,230 and 45,194 - Birr ha - 1 , respectively. This implied that, the profit obtained from tied ridge was much better than furrow closed at both ends. This structure is much better in increasing yield and crop residue of maize. In addition, the total estimated profit obtained from furrow closed at both end are much better than the usual farmers practice. This also implied that in situ moisture conservation structure ( tied ridge and furrow closed at both ends) are more economical and better if it is more scaled up in the study area and similar agro ecologies. Extension worker and Woreda Agricultural Bureau should have given attention to popularized and scaling up this technology to overcome problem of moisture deficit and food insecurity and improve agricultural production in the study area and similar agro ecologies. Keywords: FREG, Furrow closed at end, Moisture deficit, Net benefit, Tied ridge DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-11-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2020