Pre-extension Demonstration of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus) under sown in Maize at Dugda and Lume Districts of East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The activity was conducted in Bekele-Girisa of Dugda district. The objectives were to demonstrate forage production from lablab under sown in maize and to evaluate the lablab-maize intercropping practices with farmers participation. Accordingly, Farmers' Research and Extension Groups (FREGs) with 18 members were established at Bekele Girisa kebele. Four trial farmers were selected from each FREGs for forage production based on the criteria including interest of the farmers in producing forage on their land, farmer having enough land for forage production and who have milking cows. BH-540 maize variety was intercropped with Lablab purpureus on plot a size of 32*32m2. Pure- stands of maize with similar plot size was also established for comparison. Lablab purpureus was intercropped in maize at two weeks period after maize planting. Farmers were used as replication with participatory approach. The results revealed that the total biomass (Stover + lablab) and maize grain yields were significantly different (P<0.05) among the practices at Dugda site. Even though statistically not significant (P>0.05) between the two practices, there was total biomass and maize grain yield increment in lablab under-sown in maize than pure stand of maize. Similarly, crude protein content of the maize Stover under sown with lablab was improved. Farmers were also very interested for forage production from lablab intercropping in maize as compared to sole maize production practice. Therefore, it is recommended to extend the forage production strategy such as lablab intercropping in maize to enhance the production of high biomass of forage with good quality.