Demonstration and promotion of Cluster based Improved Mung bean Technology at Gismababo PAPREGs in Bena-Tsemay Worded, South Omo Zone

Mung bean is one of the most important cash crops in the low-land areas of the South Omo Zone; however, its production and productivity is influenced by multiple factors such as lack of awareness on improved technology packs and practices related to genetics, pests and environments. The objectives of this was to create agro-pastoral awareness towards feasible improved mung bean varieties and mung bean -based food products. The trial site selection and PAPREG member’s establishment was carried out based on technology demand and the production potential for mung bean production. Accordingly, twenty-five (25) agro-pastorals were selected. Technical training was provided before implementation started. Initially, a total of 75kg of seeds of the improved mung bean variety (NVL-01) and 3kg for one agro-pastoral were given to target agro-pastorals and a total of three (3) hectares (0.12 hectares for each household) were covered by mung bean in a cluster-based approach. Yield data and agropastoral perceptions were collected at different crop growth stage and during field day and after harvest. Simple descriptive statistics were used to examine the quantitative data, such as the amount of plant height, pods per plant and yield, whereas the Likert scale was used for qualitative data, such as agro-pastoralists perceptions. In this study, an average of 11.24 Qt/ha of mung bean yield was obtained. The demonstrated technology was preferred by almost all participant agro-pastorals as very good due to its high yield, early maturity period, pest resistance and net income obtained. In addition, the positive sensory acceptability of processed maize and mung bean food products satisfies agro-pastoral preferences. Most agro-pastorals (92%) were motivated and expressed their willingness to use the demonstrated technology for mung bean production in the future. Based on the result obtained, Agro pastorals obtained enough awareness on demonstrated technology NVL-01 variety that is proven; adapted, available and scalable is recommended for wide scale production in the study district and other similar lowland environments because it is preferred among agro pastorals due to very good yield, pest tolerant and sensory acceptability of its food product.