Abstract

Frontline demonstration of herbicide was conducted in four districts of Tigray Region with objective of improving productivity of unit area and enhancing the income of farming community. Technology demonstration followed by perception assessment survey was conducted on the direct beneficiaries of the technology. A total of 40 farmers were selected purposively. The herbicide and improved bread wheat was offered. Yield, production cost and perception data were collected. To measure the attitude of farmers towards the improved technology, a five-point Likert scale were used. The data was analyzed using t-test and statistical analytical techniques such as descriptive, frequency, percentage and partial budget analysis. The result of this activity shows that in the four districts, an average of 2236, 2050, 3025 and 2712 kg ha^-1 of grain yield were harvested from Pyroxsulam application, whereas, an average of 1689, 1356, 2127 and 1832 kg ha^-1 grain yield were harvested from hand weeding, respectively. This can show us that farmers from the districts had an increment of yield by 32.39, 51.18, 42.22 and 48.03% in Hintalo-Wajirat, Enderta, Saesie Tsaeda-Emba and Glomahda districts, respectively. The t-test result also showed that there is statistically significant mean difference between the two groups at less than 5%. The average marginal rate of return of the four districts was 259% and shows greater than the minimum acceptable rate of return (100%). Hence, further scale up need to be made concerning rural institutions.

Key words: Demonstration, hand weeding, herbicide, improved wheat, profitability, pyroxsulam.