Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Fenugreek Technologies in Goro District of Bale Zone

Fenugreek is an important seed spice crop widely grown all over the world. It is one of the most important spice crops in Ethiopia. The country has suitable environmental conditions for fenugreek production and the crop has extraordinary economic importance in the country. Despite its suitable agro-ecology for the production of fenugreek in Ethiopia, its production and productivity is low compared to its potential. This is due to lack of improved optional varieties and production packages. Pre-extension demonstration and evaluation of improved fenugreek technologies was conducted at Goro district of Bale zone. The district was selected purposively based the potential of the crop. Two kebeles were selected from the district based on the potential of the crop and accessibility. Improved fenugreek variety Arganne was demonstrated and compared against the standard check Burka. Accordingly, an improved variety Arganne have relatively higher yield (19.17 qt/ha) than the standard check (17.42 qt/ha. Moreover, Arganne variety was selected by farmers due to its Arganne variety was selected by participant farmers due to its high yield, bigger seed size, higher number of seed/pod, early maturing, better tolerant to disease, better tolerant to insects and good plant height. Thus, Arganne variety was recommended for pre-scaling up.