On Farm Demonstration of Recently Adapted Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Highlands of Guji Zone

The activity was conducted in Bore and Ana Sora district in 2015-2017 production season to evaluate productivity and profitability of improved potato variety with standard check (Gudane variety) under farmers’ condition and to build farmers’ knowledge and skill of production and management of the improved potato variety. From all Irish Potato producing Peasant Associations (PAs), six PAs were selected based on their Irish Potato production potential. From each PA, one FRG having 15 members was established. The selections of participating farmers were carried out by close collaboration with agricultural district offices, DAs, SMSs, opinion leaders, and PA leaders. Training was given for farmers, development agents and experts. Exchange visit also performed to share experience of experimental farmers’ management practices conducted by FRG work. Data was collected from 18 experimental farmers by using interaction with FRG members. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and Net farm income was used to estimate the profitability of Irish potato. Accordingly, the average yield of Belete and Gudane demonstrated was 355 Qt/ha and 269 Qt/ha respectively. The result of samples t-test stated there was significant difference in yield between Belete and Gudane variety. Pairwise ranking showed disease resistance trait was considered to be the most trait preferred by farmers. The production of Belete variety in highlands of Guji Zone was profit with the net farm income of 28182.64 Birr/ha and 14158.34 Birr/ha in Bore and Ana Sora district respectively. Despite Belete variety has higher yield and returns the variety has lower acceptance than Gudane since Gudane was moderately disease resistant, high market demand and good taste. Farmers should use the existing variety (Gudane) in their potato production and used effective chemicals in maintaining disseminated variety. Since potato is relatively early mature crop, chemicals and necessary management practices should also quickly monitored. Keywords: potato, Farmers Research Group, Pairwise rankin