Improved Midland Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties Demonstration at Western Harerghe Zone of Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The research activity was carried out with the objective of evaluating and identifying adaptable improved maize varieties and to familiarize farmers with maize production techniques. It was executed at Badessa and Doba district of Western Harerghea Zone in main cropping season of 2019. The variety selection process was carried out from different dimensions including utilization, marketing and field performance. Maturity period , cob size, seed size, grain color, disease and pest tolerance/resistance , market demand and yield were identified as important farmers criteria in the trial sites. Using these criterias the farmers identified varieties that suit their respective location. Accordingly, trial farmers showed special interest to BH 546 and BH 547 varieties. As the preference of the farmers in each sites have already been identified, it will be productive if the extension service consider farmers’ preferences in varietal promotion activity and are recommended for further scaling up to reach large small holder farmers through government organizations, Non-government Organizations, research institutes and other stakeholders works on maize technology promotion.