Full Length Research Paper
Abstract
The agronomic performance and economic benefit of rice seed from two sources (farmer-saved and certified seed) at different nutrient management regimes in the Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana were evaluated. A total of 14 on-farm multi-locational trials were established in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons using Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR-IRM) approach to technology dissemination. Regression analysis shows statistically significant differences (P <0.01) of treatment effect in terms of grain yield (kg/ha) for both certified and farmer-saved seed. The highest grain yield of 6,833 kg/ha was recorded for certified seed at full fertilizer recommendation rate for the 2012 growing season while the lowest grain yield of 30 kg/ha was recorded for famer saved seed at zero fertilizer management level for the same cropping season. Returns from cultivating certified rice seed was found to be economically superior to farmer saved seed at all levels of fertilizer management.
Key words: Certified improved rice, farmer learning centres, Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone, integrated soil fertility management.
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