| |
| Identification of major constraints of crop production in Enebse Sar Midir wereda, east Gojjam.
Amare Tesfaw,
Mekele University, P.O.Box ……, Agri-Service Ethiopia, P.O.Box 2460
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed at identifying major constraints of crop production. It is also designed to assess farmers’ perception about sowing time, soil management practices, use of quality seeds and weed and pest management practices as well as fertilizer use in the community. Results indicated that yield loss (about 25%) from weeds is a major constraint of crop production in the area. Weeds such as Striga hermontheca (Akenchira) in the kola Kebles and Medicago polymorpha (Wajema) in the weina daga and Dega kebeles are causing considerable yield loss. Crop damage by pests is another major problem. Pests, especially army worm (Spodoptera spp.) and weaver birds (Quelea sp.) can cause even complete loss (100%) in some localities. The other problem is related with soil. Due to the undulating and terrain feature of the area, the land is characterized by formation of gullies and heavy erosion. The fertilizer applied is immediately washed by heavy rainfall and this had made fertilizer use almost impossible. Results also revealed that herbicide and pesticide use is very limited mainly for economic reasons. The data obtained also showed that farmers mainly use local seed varieties. In the area, some farmers claimed that yield from these seed varieties is now decreasing. Agri-Service Ethiopia is doing trials on these seed varieties comparing their performances with improved seed varieties. Perhaps this is a very good trend with regard to conserving indigenous (native) crop species. Based on the results obtained, the following are the recommended actions to be taken. Timely sowing of quality seed is a crucial factor to be considered in crop production. Using integrated weed control measures can reduce yield loss due to weeds. Devastating loss from pests (both insect and non insect) can effectively be prevented by using integrated pest management. In general, further research is desirable which emphasizes on these major constraints of crop production.
|
|
