Large-Scale Demonstration of Improved Sorghum Technologies in Selected Areas of Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

This study was conducted at Assosa and Bambasi district of Assosa zone. The district was selected purposively based on potential and accessibility for sorghum production: A total 603 (male 516, female 87) farmers were involving sorghum largescale demonstration production. 339 hectares of land were selected and identified for the activity; four quintal of improved sorghum assosa-1 variety distributed with 10 kg/ha seed rate and with 75 cm and 15 cm between row and plant all fertilizer application used based on recommendation 100 kg of NPS and 50 kg of UREA were used. All farmers contribute and prepare from 0.25 to 1 ha. of land for the activity. A total of 586 farmers, 31 development agents and 9 agricultural experts were participated on the training. About 1027 participants (700 M and 200 F, 40 M and 10 F experts, 75 M and 2 F higher official) were attend the field day. Mean grain yield of improved sorghum (Assosa-1) variety in Assosa and Bambasi districts was 27 qt/ha., and 30 qt/ha; respectively recorded. The total mean yield of improve sorghum Assosa-1 variety was 28.75 qt/ha. higher than the farmers practice 15 qt/ha. This difference is due to the utilization of best-fit of the variety in the areas and the application of the recommended agronomic practices and field management. From the total of 339 hectare of land 9430.5. quintal of yield was harvested.