FTC Based Forage Demonstration of Elephant Grass Technology in Ginchi, Wonchi and Debrelibanose District, Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in three dairy potential areas of Ginchi, Wonchi, and Debrelibanose districts of Oromia region Ethiopia, to demonstrate promising elephant grass materials to smallholder dairy farmers. As a part of the methodology, a participatory extension approach is employed in this particular study to select a demonstration site. A total of 6 FTC were selected with an area of 10m2x20m2 plot sizes from each district. Elephant grass with accession numbers (14794) material as a candidate along with the check were demonstrated and evaluated for their biomass yield across tested sites. During the implementation phase, on-spot theoretical and practical training was provided to the smallholder farmers, development agents, and agricultural experts of the respective districts. The findings of this research revealed that there was a statistical significant difference in dry matter yield of demonstrated candidate material (accession 14794) over the local check at (p<0.01) probability level. And the dry matter yield of the candidate (accession 14794) ranged from 13.50 to 4.92 t/ha with a mean of 9.21 t/ha while the check provided 8.75 t/ha and 3.91 t/ha dry matter yield across the tested site. Moreover, Elephant/Napier grass materials responded differently across the tested sites because of differential responses of the climatic and biotic factors. The best average yield of the candidate (Accession #14794) were recorded at Ginchi district (10.40 t/ha) and followed by Debrelibanose district (8.87 t/ha) as compare to Wonchi district due to field management and another climate variability’s. Thus, the study recommended that it’s paramount to promote (accession#14794) elephant grass material with its recommended production package for further scaling up and popularization to the study area under similar agro ecology with the joint effort of district office of agriculture, non-government organizations and by other concerned stakeholders.