THE ROLE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERE ON CROP PRODUCTION IN

ETHIOPIA

A senior seminar paper

Submitted to Jimma University College of Agriculture and
Veterinary Medicine, Department of Natural Resource Management

By

BOSSENA WALLELGN

Advisor Abraham (MSC.)

December, 2012

fechETHIOPIA
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.............................................................................................................................iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS..............................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................v
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study.................................................................................................................1
1.2 Justification....................................................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Significance of the Seminar.....................................................................................................2
1.2.2 Statement of problems............................................................................................................2
1.3. Objective.......................................................................................................................................3
1.3.1. General Objective...................................................................................................................3
1.3.2 The specific objectives.............................................................................................................3
2. Role of Organic Fertilizer.....................................................................................................................4
2.1. Organic fertilizer sources...............................................................................................................8
2.2. Components of Organic Farming..................................................................................................8
2.2.1. Crop and Soil Management....................................................................................................8
2.2.2. On-farm Waste Recycling.......................................................................................................9
2.2.3. Non-chemical Weed Management.........................................................................................9
2.3. Important of Organic Fertilizer......................................................................................................9
2.3.1. Disadvantages of organic fertilizers....................................................................................10
2.3.2. Comparison with inorganic fertilizer....................................................................................10
2.3.3. Ecological Agriculture...........................................................................................................11
2.3.4. The economic value..............................................................................................................11
2.4. Use of Traditional Additives for Organic Fertilizer.....................................................................12
2.5. Importance and Value of Organic Fertilizers..............................................................................13
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...........................................................................................14
3.1. Conclusion...................................................................................................................................14
3.2 RECOMMENDATION................................................................................................................15
4. Reference...........................................................................................................................................16

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost let us praise and honor the almighty God for the opportunity and capacity given
to us to realize our aspiration. We would like to thank our adviser Abraham (MSC.). For his
advice, guidance, support, encouragement and assistance in the preparation of this senior
seminar. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the librarian workers and ICT workers for
their assistance in activities that led to the production of this senior seminar.

iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS

ADLI Agricultural Development-Led Industrialization

AISCO Agricultural Input Supply Corporation
AISE Agricultural Input Supply Enterprises
Br Birr
CADU Chilalo Agricultural Development Unit
CSA Central Statistical Authority
DA Development Agent
DC Development Center
DAP Di-Ammonium Phosphate
EARO Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
FA Farming association

iv
 ABSTRACT

The economy of Ethiopia particularly is based on agriculture. However, agriculture is not

able to feed the growing population within the country. Various development strategies
have been undertaken to improve the poor performance of agriculture including
intensification of agriculture by modern agricultural technologies. Fertilizer is one of the
modern agricultural technologies injected in the agriculture of Ethiopia in order to
increase the production and productivity of smallholder farmers. Though emphasis was
given to promote the use of this modern technology, exploratory observations revealed
that considerable proportion of the farmers did not use it. Hence, this seminar was
designed to review the role of organic fertilizers on crop production and their economical
role in the country with the following specific the important and value of organic fertilizer,
the significance of organic fertilizers application to enhance crop production and the
constraint of organic fertilizer that affect the farmers or user.

v
 1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the study

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. The record of Ethiopia is even far lower
than the average Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries that are also termed as poor by the world
standard. For instance, between the period 1975-2000, GNP per capita of Ethiopia is four times
lower than the average SSA countries (World Bank, 2002).

Agriculture remains the key sector for the economic development for most developing
countries. It is critically important for ensuring food security, alleviating poverty and
conserving the vital natural resources that the world's present and future generations will be
entirely dependent upon for their survival and well-being (FAO, 2004).

Some three quarters of the world's absolute poor live in rural areas, and their livelihoods are
most often linked to agriculture. Like other developing countries, the economy of Ethiopia
draws its main strength from agriculture because of the potentiality to produce multiplier
effects on the growth of other sectors of the economy. It is the principal source of livelihood
for most of the poor and has a key role in building their household food security (Ministry of
Agriculture, 2003).

How ever, the productivity of the land decreased from time to time due to adverse effect of
agro-chemicals on soil, water, food and atmospheric environment. Organic farming system is
therefore an important prerequisite for boosting up crop production and sustaining higher yield
over a period of time. Future strategies for increasing agricultural production will have to focus
on using available natural resources more efficiently, effectively and sustainable than in the
past. Organic farming seems to be more appropriate, which considers the important aspects like
sustainability of natural resources and environment and economic development (Gruh et al.,
2000).

Organic farming is a production system which favors maximum use of organic materials (crop
residue, animal residue, legumes, on and off farm wastages, growth regulators, and bio-
pesticides) and discourages use of synthetically produced agro-inputs, for maintaining soil
productivity and fertility and pest management under conditions of sustainable natural
resources and healthy environment. It emphasis’s the use of renewable natural resources and
their recycling (Emsley, 2001).

This system helps farmers to make a decision regarding proper way of farm management
which enhances high crop yields and improves the soil fertility in the long run (FAO, 1998).

Organic fertilizers include naturally occurring organic materials, (e.g. chicken litter, manure,
warm casting, compost, seaweed, guano ,bone meal) or naturally occurring mineral deposits
(e.g.saltbeter).poultry litter and cattle manure often create environmental and disposal
problems, making their use as fertilizer beneficial. Bones can be processed into phosphate-rich
bone meal; however, most are simply buried in landfills. Even if all bones, human, animal and
plant wastes were recovered to the extent practical and used for fertilizer, mineral fertilizers
and synthetic nitrogen would still be required to make for losses to leaching, to the atmosphere,
runoff and the losses impractical to recover (Allan, 2003).

1.2 Justification

1.2.1 Significance of the Seminar

This review is important to know the role of organic fertilizer, by reviewing different books,
research papers, journals, and etc.And important to how to organize and marge different
sources in to one. And used as a source for other finders or researchers.

1.2.2 Statement of problems

Now a day the decline in the soil fertilities wide spread in Ethiopia and is threatening food
security in the country. This led impacts on biodiversities and reduces nutrient cycle in the soil
and affects the productivities of the land and the livelihood of the community (Teshome,
2000).

2
While the use of inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility has immediate results, the
escalating price makes it impossible for the majority of smallholders’ farmers to use it.
Therefore, the need for alternative low cost soil fertility enhancing technologies should be
enhanced. The use of organic fertilizer is therefore, seems to be available option to be
promoted (Getachew, 2000).

1.3. Objective

1.3.1. General Objective

 To review the role of organic fertilizer on crop production

1.3.2 The specific objectives

 To review the important and value of organic fertilizer.

 To review the significance of organic fertilizers application to enhance crop
production.
 To review the constraint of organic fertilizer

3
 2. Role of Organic Fertilizer

According to (Reardon et al., 1999) indicated that fertilizer demand of a given farm
household arises from the economic and technical relationships perceived by the farmer. The
main economic relationship is that between the use of fertilizer and its profitability. The choice
of level and type of fertilizer used depends on what the farmer perceives about the
responsiveness of yield to fertilizer use for crop under question, controlling for other
conditions such as use of other inputs, and other factors such as rainfall, managerial ability and
land quality.

According to (Barbaric et al., 2003) also noted that, although the economic profitability is an
important incentive, it is not always sufficient to induce farmers to adopt recommended
farming practices. Social and cultural factors exert important influences on the adoption
behavior of farmers. He noted that, the goal of diffusion research is to identify factors, which
influence the adoption and diffusion of agricultural innovations. The intensity of adoption of
new technologies which are divisible (new seed varieties or new variable inputs) can be
measured at the individual farm level in a given time period by the amount of share of farm
area utilizing the technology or by the per hectare quantity of input used where applicable.

Measures to increase agricultural production in Ethiopia may be based on expanding cultivated

area and/or increasing agricultural intensification .But expanding area cropped is difficult
since most parts of the country is over populated. So Fertilizer is one of the major productivity
enhancing inputs. Hence, increased and efficient use of fertilizer can be considered as a more
plausible alternative in Ethiopia to bridge the wide gap of food shortage at least in the
immediate future.(Mulat et.al 1997 cited by Bizualem et,al., 2010)

Until mid 1992, fertilizer marketing was fully state controlled. Agricultural Input Supply
Corporation (AISCO), now renamed Agricultural Inputs Supply Enterprise (AISE) was the
monopolist supplier since 1985. Recognizing the role of fertilizer in increasing crop ayield, the
government of Ethiopia has given top priority to the fertilizer sub-sector, so liberalized the

4
fertilizer market and issued fertilizer policy in 1993 with the main objective of achieving the
goal of food security and food self-sufficiency through increased and efficient use of fertilizers
Of the total quantity of inorganic fertilizers used in the country 94% was used for the
production of major cereals (Teff 44%, Wheat 24%, Maize 12%, Barley 12% and Sorghum 2%
(NFIA, 1999a cited by Bizualem et.al 2010).

Fertilizer consumption of the peasant sector has significantly increased over the past three
decades. That means it has increased from 9,470 qtl in 1971 to 311,120 qtl in 1981 and to
1,469,650 qtl in 1991. The 1999 annual fertilizer consumption level is about 2,902,640 qtl
(Teshome and Getachew, 2000).

However, various reports indicate that the rate of fertilizer use in the country is quite low for
reasons that are not well known. The level of fertilizer use in the country is still very low,
particularly in the smallholders' sector (World Bank 1994 as cited in Teressa 1997). Although
the average annual fertilizer consumption has shown an increasing pattern, the country’s
consumption rate stayed at about 7 kg of nutrient per hectare (ha). Fertilizer consumption
levels of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia are among the lowest in Africa (USAID 1995 as cited
in Amare 2001). Still the national levels of fertilizer consumption have tended to lag behind
annual targets. Of the total 4,065,650 qtl of DAP and Urea available in 1995/96, only
2,416,490 qtl were actually sold (Croppenstedt et al., 1999).

Fertilizers increase agricultural production and productivity that could contribute to improved
national food-self sufficiency. The vital role that fertilizer plays in increasing crop yield per
unit area is well acknowledged both nationally and at farm level. Though fertilizer application
is practiced in all farming communities, the amount of fertilizer distributed and consumed in
the various districts of Ethiopia and applied on individual farming plots is very low (Teshome
and Getachew, 2000).

More recently, organic fertilizer is on the rise as people are resorting to environmental friendly
green products. Although organic fertilizers usually contain a lower concentration of nutrients,
this lower concentration avoids complication of nitrogen burn harming the plants. In addition,

5
organic fertilizers such as compost and worm castings break down slowly into complex organic
structures or humus which builds the soil's structure and moisture- and nutrient-retaining
capabilities (Ministry of Agriculture, 2003).

Organic farmers emphasize using only organic fertilizers for fertility maintenance. In many
aspects, organic farming is a way of life as it is a method of farming. The profitability of
organic farms depends on the higher prices that their products demand in the market place. To
stimulate inorganic farming, some government have passed laws that create a demand for
organic foods, for example, in some states of USA, poor people who receive food aid get
coupon only redeemable at organic markets. Cities have created farmers market, where
inorganic producer can sell their goods (Dahama, 1997).

Fertilizer use increases land productivity through yield increase and eases the nutrient
constraint to multiple cropping and land development programs. In general, agricultural output
can be increased through the expansion of cultivable area or through improving the
productivity of available land. With the gradual closing of the land frontier, however, future
increase in agricultural output has to depend on increasing the productivity of land only. One
of the crucial inputs to increase the productivity of land is fertilizer. With the introduction of
high yielding varieties of various crops the possibilities of increasing farm yield and profit with
intensive use of fertilizers has become financially feasible (Sirohi and Goel, 1972 cited by
Bizualem et al., 2010).

That means fertilizer is one of the most critical inputs in farming. It can bring about a rapid
increase in agricultural production even in the short run, which is the awful need of a
developing country. Therefore, the provision of fertilizer is one of the essential factors, which
play a great role in improving agricultural productivity. Agricultural revolution that has
occurred in developed countries has led to a great increase in productivity, particularly due to
the use of fertilizers. In line with this, the use of inorganic fertilizer has also a significant
effect even on local crop varieties in which responses are generally believed to be low
(Amanita 2002).

6
The wise usage of fertilizer is one of the best investments a farmer can make. That means, with
efficient use of fertilizer, the farmer expects a higher return on each unit of money spent on
fertilizer. Though, all of the improved farm technologies must be applied together, it is
generally true that proper use of fertilizer and high yielding variety seed (HYVS) offer the
greatest opportunity for greater and rapid improvement in farm production especially for those
small farmers suffering from shortage of capital and seasonal income fluctuations. Thus,
investing on fertilizer and HYVS is more attractive than on fixed assets (Berhanu, 1993).

Profit from fertilizer use generally results from greater yield. For some crops, improvement in
quality can make the use of more fertilizer profitable, but generally the pay-off comes from
increased production per ha. The nature of this greater yield, known as the yield response is
governed by the well-known principle of diminishing returns. But the knowledge of the
maximum physical production range is needed to determine the most profitable use of fertilizer
(Sartainaaaa, 2011).

Organic agriculture is not based exclusively on short term economics, but also considers
ecological concepts. It utilizes appropriate technology and appropriate traditional farming
methods. This form of farming can also be called sustainable form of farming or sustainable
agriculture (Ananata 2002). The principles of this method are:
• Organize the production of crops and the management of farm resources so that they
harmonize rather than conflict with natural system.
• Use and develop appropriate technologies based upon an understanding of biological
Systems.
• Achieve and maintain soil fertility for optimum production by relying primarily on
renewable resources.
• Use diversification to pursue optimum production.
• Aim for optimum nutritional value of staple food.
• Use decentralized structures for processing, distributing and marketing of products.
• Strive for equitable relationship between those who work and live on the land.
• Maintain and preserve wildlife and their habitats.

7
2.1. Organic fertilizer sources

Animal: Animal-sourced and human urea are suitable for application organic agriculture,
while pure synthetic forms of urea are not. The common thread that can be seen through these
examples is that organic agriculture attempts to define itself through minimal processing (in
contrast to the man-made Haber process), as well as being naturally occurring or via natural
biological processes such as composting. Besides immediate application of urea to the soil,
urine can also be improved by converting it to struvite already done with human urine by a
Dutch firm. The conversion is performed by adding magnesium to the urine. An added
economical advantage of using urine as fertilizer is that it contains a large amount of
phosphorus (Barbarika et al., 2003).

Plant: Leguminous cover crops are also grown to enrich soil as green manures through
nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere as well as phosphorus (through nutrient mobilization)
content of soils (Stefan, 2008).

2.2. Components of Organic Farming

There are assumptions throughout the organic literature of differences between organic and
conventional systems with respect to their effects on soil physical properties, soil insect fauna
and nutrient flow within the soil, crop health and nutritional value of the harvested crop. There
fore the components of organic fertilizers are: crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green
manures, off-farm organic wastes and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil
productivity and tilt, to supply plant nutrient and to control insects, weed and other pests
(Miguel, 1998).

2.2.1. Crop and Soil Management

Organic fertilizer encourages the use of rotations and measures to maintain soil fertility.
Carefully managed soil with a high production of humus offer essential advantages with
respect to water retention ion exchange, soil erosion and animal life in the soil. Green maturing
and inter-cropping of legumes is another important aspect for biological farming systems not

8
only in regard to weed control but also in reducing the leaching of nutrients and in reducing
soil erosion. A green cover throughout most of the year is one of the main goals of such
farming methods. Depending on the green manure mixture or the legumes used for under
sowing, there may be an increased soil organic matter and soil N2 as well as in other nutrients
(Asmed, 1993).

2.2.2. On-farm Waste Recycling

Increase price of chemical fertilizers have enables organic wastes to regain an important role in
the fertilizer practices on the farm. Good manure management means improved fertilizers
value of manure and slurry and less nutrient losses. Composting of all organic wastes in
general and of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or feedlot manure in particular is important in
organic farming (Gruhn, 2000).

2.2.3. Non-chemical Weed Management

Weed management is one of the main concerns in organic agriculture. Generally, all aspects of
arable crop production play an important role in a system approach to problems. The elements
to consider in preventing weed problems are crop rotation, green maturing, manure
management and tillage. Mulching on a large scale by using manure spreaders may also be
useful in weed control.

2.3. Important of Organic Fertilizer

 It serves as a slow release of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur for plant nutrition and
microbial growth
 It posses considerable water holding capacity and thereby helps to maintain the water
regime of the soil.
 It acts as a buffer against in pH of the soil.

9
  Its dark color contributes to absorption of energy from the sun and heating of the soil
 It acts as "cement" for holding clay and silt particles together, thus contributing to the
crumb structure of the soil and resistance against soil erosion
 It binds micro-nutrients metal ion in the soil that otherwise might be leached out of the
surface soil
 Organic constituents in the humid substances may act as plant growth stimulants
 Organic fertilizers have been known to improve biodiversity (soil life) and long-term
 Productivity of soil and may prove a large depository for excess carbon dioxide.

 Organic nutrients increase the abundance of soil organisms by providing organic matter
and micronutrients for organisms such as fungal Mycorrhiza, (which aid plants in
absorbing nutrients), and can drastically reduce external inputs of pesticides, energy
and fertilizer, at the cost of decreased yield (Abram, 2005).

2.3.1. Disadvantages of organic fertilizers

 Organic fertilizers may contain pathogens and other disease causing organisms if not
properly composted
 Nutrient contents are very variable and their release to available forms that the plant
can use may not occur at the right plant growth stage
 Organic fertilizers are comparatively voluminous and can be too bulky to deploy the
right amount of nutrients that will be beneficial to plants
 More expensive to produce
 No so handy to apply in the soil

2.3.2. Comparison with inorganic fertilizer

According to (Sartainaaaa, 2011) organic fertilizer nutrient content, solubility, and nutrient
release rates are typically all lower than inorganic fertilizers. One study found that over a 140-
day period, after 7 leaching:
 Organic fertilizers had released between 25% and 60% of their nitrogen content
 Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) had a relatively constant rate of release

10
  Soluble fertilizer released most of its nitrogen content at the first leaching

In general, the nutrients in organic fertilizer are both more dilute and also much less readily
available to plants. According to the University of California's integrated pest management
program, all organic fertilizers are classified as 'slow-release' fertilizers, and therefore cannot
cause nitrogen burn.

Organic fertilizers from composts and other sources can be quite variable from one batch to the
next. Without batch testing, amounts of applied nutrient cannot be precisely known.
Nevertheless, one or more studies have shown they are at least as effective as chemical
fertilizers over longer periods of use.

2.3.3. Ecological Agriculture

According to (IFOAM, 2005) the major importance of organic farming activities is a

sustainable production of quality food with little or no effect on the environment
The growing concern about environmental degradation, dwindling natural resources and
urgency to meet the food needs of the increasing population are compelling farm scientist and
policy makers to seriously examine alternative to chemical agriculture.

As reported by Vankataramani (1995) case studies shows that when chemical farm incurred
about 11.250 towards the cost of cultivation of rice.

According to Ananata 2002, an organic farm spend rupees 10,590 to produce 5625 kg paddy
and 8 tonnes of straw/ha. The net returns from the ecological farming system at the current cost
of rupees 3.34/kg paddy is rupees 8,197.50. In chemical farming, the net profit is rupees 7500.
If one gets a premium price for the poison force, organically grown rice, the economic returns
from the ecological farming system will highly encouraging.

2.3.4. The economic value

11
 The decline in the soil fertilities wide spread in Ethiopia and is threatening food security in
the country. The use of inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility has immediate results; the
escalating price makes it impossible for the majority of smallholders’ farmers to use them.
There is therefore, need for alternative low cost soil fertility enhancing technologies. An
organic fertilizer therefore seems to be available option to be promoted. The economic value
of an organic waste or residues to the farmer is the increase in crop yield and/or crop quality
that is derived fro its use (Colacicco, 2000).

The actual profitability of using organic materials will vary with the quality of the organic
materials and the actual profitability of using organic materials is more importance than
inorganic fertilizers estimated that the cumulative economic value of some organic materials
applied to agricultural soils could be as much as five times greater in succeeding years than the
value realized during the application year (Barbarika et al., 2003).

2.4. Use of Traditional Additives for Organic Fertilizer

Most countries have traditionally utilized various kinds of organic materials to maintain or
improve the tilt, fertility and productivity of their agricultural soils. However, several decades
ago, organic recycling practices in some countries were largely replaced with chemical
fertilizer which were applied to high yielding cereal crops that responded to a high level of
fertility and adequate moisture, including irrigation (Sartainaaaa, 2011).

Consequently, the importance of organic matter to crop production received less emphasis and
its proper use in soil management sometimes neglected or even forgotten. With these changes
and the failure to implement effective soil conservation practices, agricultural soils in a number
of developed and developing countries have undergone serious degradation and decline in
productivity because of excessive soil erosion and nutrient run-off and decreased soil organic
matter levels. To achieve sufficiency utilization of organic materials such as agricultural
residue and urban wastes to protect agricultural soils from wind and water erosion and to
prevent nutrient losses through run-off and leaching. Traditional additives are classified into
two groups which are given below (Ananata 2002).

12
2.5. Importance and Value of Organic Fertilizers

What makes organic fertilizers different from chemical fertilizers is that the materials are a by-
product of vegetables, animals or minerals. The decomposing matter from these sources, break
down naturally and will provide nutrients and minerals to the soil. When considering lawn
maintenance it is necessary to make sure that the lawn or garden gets the all of the nutrients
that it needs for healthy growth. Although nutrients are available in regular soil, fertilizers can
provide and ensure that plants have a balanced and sustainable access to the nutrients. Proper
lawn care includes providing for the health of the lawn and garden (Abram, 20050).

One of the benefits of organic fertilizer is that the nutrients are released more slowly than in
chemical fertilizers. This slower process allows the plants to process the fertilizer in a more
natural way and will not result in over fertilizing which could damage the plants. Another
benefit of organic fertilizer in your landscaping and lawn care is that it will actually help to
improve the soil itself. It will help the soil to retain moisture (Barbarika et al., 2003).

The organic substances can break up clay in the soil. The soil drainage and air circulation of
the soil can also be improved. When considering what sort of organic fertilizer to use, there
are a variety of choices. You can ask your lawn care provider if they use organic fertilizers.
Having a compost pile is also a great way to get rid of food waste and still contribute to your
lawn care and the environment. Natural organic fertilizer is the best choice for the healthy lawn
and garden. It is an important valuable option that will help the soil and the environment be
healthy and produce the best plants (Emsley, 2001).

13
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

3.1. Conclusion

Agriculture remains the key sector for the economic development for most developing
countries. It is critically important for ensuring food security, alleviating poverty. The economy
of Ethiopia draws its main strength from agriculture because of the potentiality to produce
multiplier effects on the growth of other sectors of the economy. Organic farming is a
production system which favors maximum use of organic materials (crop residue, animal
residue, legumes, on and off farm wastages, growth regulators, and bio-pesticides) and
discourages use of synthetically produced agro-inputs, for maintaining soil productivity and
fertility. More recently, organic fertilizer is on the rise as people are resorting to environmental
friendly green products. Although organic fertilizers usually contain a lower concentration of
nutrients, this lower concentration avoids complication of nitrogen burn harming the plants.
Most of the time the sours of organic fertilizers are animal and plant. Organic fertilizer
encourages the use of rotations and measures to maintain soil fertility. Carefully managed soil
with a high production of humus offer essential advantages with respect to water retention ion
exchange, soil erosion and animal life in the soil. Good manure management means improved
fertilizers value of manure and slurry and less nutrient losses. Organic fertilizers from
composts and other sources can be quite variable from one batch to the next. The economic
value of an organic waste or residues to the farmer is the increase in crop yield and/or crop
quality that is derived from its use and nutrients are available in regular soil, fertilizers can
provide and ensure that plants have a balanced and sustainable access to the nutrients.

14
3.2 RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results of this review, the following policy implications are suggested to be
considered in the future intervention strategies, which are aimed at the promotion of
production increasing technologies such as organic fertilizers. Accordingly, the current
agricultural development policies have to consider the following issues:
 Since extension services are the main instrument used in the promotion of demand for
modern technologies of which organic fertilizer is one, appropriate and adequate
extension services should be provided in line with current agricultural development
policies of the country. This could done by designing appropriate capacity building
program to train additional development agents to reduce the existing higher ratio of
farmers to development agents as well as to provide refreshment training for
development agents.
 Attention should be given to encouraging the female-headed farmers to have access to
fertilizer close to the farmers’ residence area.
 The size of farmland owned by individual farmers has a positive influence on farmers’
demand for organic fertilizers. Appropriate mechanisms have to thus be developed to
Increase the farm sizes.
 In general the seminar has suggested that encouraging the female headed farmers,
maintaining the health status of farmers by improving the health services, providing the
farm land for those who haven’t, encouraging the farmers to increase the Frequency of
contact with DA, providing High yielding variety seeds and increasing the farm income
of the farmers are some of the areas that require adequate attention.

15
 4. Reference

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Asmed, S.1993. Agriculture-Fertilizer Interference in Asia. Issue of Growth and
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Maryland Agri-econom: May 1980. Cooperative Extension Service, University of
Maryland, College Park, Maryland. U.S.A. 5 pages.
Bekele Dinku (2000), Soil Testing Laboratories and Effective Promotion of Soil Testing
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Colacicco. 1982. Economic aspects of con’po3tinf. BioCycle 23(5): 26:30.
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Desai, G. (1991), “Issues and Themes in Growth of Fertilizer Use in India: An Agenda
for Further Research and Future Policies” Journal of the Indian Society of
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Disrupt, S. 1989. Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in village India. Wiley Eastern Limited.
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