Abstract: This study examines the technical efficiency of smallholder teff producers in Mareka district, revealing significant productivity differences attributed to varying efficiency in resource use. Data from 174 randomly selected farmers during the 2020/21 production season were analyzed using a Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function, resulting in a mean technical efficiency level of 70.7%. This indicates a potential for a 29.3% improvement in efficiency with existing resources. The analysis identified key factors influencing technical efficiency, showing that teff output was positively affected by the use of fertilizers, labor, oxen days, and land area. The inefficiency discrepancy ratio was approximately 67.16%. Furthermore, maximum likelihood estimation highlighted that factors such as sex, education, soil fertility, livestock ownership, off-farm income, training, credit access, and extension contact significantly influenced technical inefficiency. To enhance technical efficiency among teff producers, the study recommends improving education, asset ownership, credit access, and facilitating knowledge exchange between efficient and inefficient farmers. These strategies aim to increase overall teff productivity in the region.
Abstract: This study examines the technical efficiency of smallholder teff producers in Mareka district, revealing significant productivity differences attributed to varying efficiency in resource use. Data from 174 randomly selected farmers during the 2020/21 production season were analyzed using a Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function,...Show More
Abstract: Crop yields are greatly influenced by soil fertility status, which can be improved with vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers. The effect of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) on the yield of soybean was validated under on-farm conditions in the Mima watershed over three cropping years (2011/12 - 2013/14 E.C.). The trial consisted of three treatments (recommended rate of NP or site-specific fertilizer recommendation, which is 23 kg of N and 46 kg of P/ha, farmers' practice (negative control), and 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% vermin compost (23 ton/ha based on N equivalence)). The plot size was 10 m by 10 m. Results of the experiment showed that the highest grain yield of soybean (2453.9 kg ha-1) was recoded for application of 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% of vermicompost, while the lowest mean yield was noted for the control plot. Application of 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% vermicompost increased yields of soybean by about 41.37% and 20.55% compared to the control and recommended NP treatment, respectively. Economic analysis also revealed that combined application of 50% recommended rate of NP and 50% vermicompost gave the highest net benefit (98165.43 ETB) with an acceptable marginal rate of return. Hence, this treatment is recommended for soybean production in Assosa area as well as in areas with similar agro-ecology.
Abstract: Crop yields are greatly influenced by soil fertility status, which can be improved with vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers. The effect of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) on the yield of soybean was validated under on-farm conditions in the Mima watershed over three cropping years (2011/12 - 2013/14 E.C.). The trial consisted of th...Show More
Abstract: Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a water-soluble non-toxic compound and act as plant biostimulator. In order to know the preharvest spraying effect of AOS on postharvest quality and shelf life of tomato, an experiment was conducted. Two varieties of tomato namely Roma VF and BARI tomato 14, and different preharvest treatments viz., control, AOS 25 mg/L, AOS 50 mg/L, AOS 100 mg/L and AOS 250 mg/L were used for this study. The field experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and Lab experiment will be conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Results displayed that most of the studied parameters were significantly influenced by the varieties and preharvest application of AOS. The maximum number of fruits per plant (67.0), fruit weight per plot (1.67 kg) and yield (75.55 t/ha) were obtained from BARI tomato 14 when treated with AOS 100 mg/L. AOS 100 mg/L treated BARI tomato 14 fruits showed minimum weight loss (9.02%) during storage, while untreated Roma VF tomato fruits exhibited maximum weight loss (10.42%). The maximum firmness (4.407) and titratable acidity (0.0.48%) was recorded from BARI tomato 14 when treated with AOS 100 mg/L whereas the highest total sugar (4.89), vitamin C content (17.90 mg 100 g¹) and shelf life (9.40 days) were recorded from the combined effect of 'Roma VF' variety treated by AOS 100 mg/L. The lowest percentage of disease incidence (9.11%) and disease severity (66.51%) were also found in Roma VF tomato' treated by AOS 100 mg/L. The findings of this study suggests that pre-harvest application of AOS is very useful for increasing yield, enhancing quality and shelf life of tomato.
Abstract: Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a water-soluble non-toxic compound and act as plant biostimulator. In order to know the preharvest spraying effect of AOS on postharvest quality and shelf life of tomato, an experiment was conducted. Two varieties of tomato namely Roma VF and BARI tomato 14, and different preharvest treatments viz., control, AOS 25...Show More