Popularization of Sanate Bread Wheat Variety in the Highlands of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia wheat is the national strategic crop to solve food insecurity. Highland districts of Guji zone were potential producers of bread wheat varieties. The production of bread wheat on large area is limited by occurrence of rust and lack of improved bread wheat varieties. But the demand and supply of wheat is imbalance in the area. Farmers were demanding improved and rust tolerant bread wheat varieties. Sanate variety was tested on small area on few experimental farmers. The variety was recommended for the wheat production in the areas. Therefore, it is necessary to disseminate Sanate variety in highlands areas of Guji zone. The objectives of the study were to popularize Sanate variety, to evaluate yield and profitability of Sanate production, capacitate farmers on bread wheat production and linkage among key stakeholders. Four districts were selected based on wheat production potential. Farmers were selected based their interest to grow Sanate variety and ownership of land. 57.72 quintals of improved Sanate variety was distributed for four districts, 12 kebeles and 156 farmers were participated during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 production seasons. 39 ha of land were covered by Sanate variety. The seed was sown 20 cm between rows and drilling of 148 kg/ha seed rate in the rows. 121kg/ha of NPS fertilizer was applied at planting time. Hand weeding and 2-4-D was used to control weed. Yield data, costs of production, income from Sanate production and farmers’ feedback were collected and analysed by descriptive statistics, qualitative and cost benefit analysis. Training, exchange visit and field day were used for the popularization of Sanate. 539 participants were capacitated on Sanate production. 32.23 qt/ha was obtained from pre scaling up of Sanate. The cost benefit analysis shows that Sanate variety was profitable with 27,966.5 ETB/ha. Even though, Sanate gave high yield and profit at the study areas the variety was not highly demanded on the market due to its dark color. However, it was used for household consumption. The variety was also affected by rust at some farmers field. Therefore, the production of Sanate should be done with the support of fungicide in the highlands of Guji zone.