Some of the productive and extension problems as perceived by Small-scale Potato's Farmers in Yarim District, Yemen

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the production and extension problems that are facing the small-scale farmers of the potato crop at Yarim district in Yemen. To fulfil the objectives of study, 70 farmers were randomly selected using a random simple sampling method. The finding of the study showed that the most important cultivated problems were the increasing of seeds prices and manipulation of such seeds by the agricultural inputs providers. This affected its availability on time of planting. In addition, the high cost for renting the tractors and other machinery tools was also reported. The study also found that the farmers were not applying the crop rotation practice and over planting at the same area unit of land. Furthermore, increasing fuel prices, the high price for irrigation per hour, the high prices of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, chemical and manure fertilizers and using, the traditional irrigation application was also indicated by the respondents. In addition, the findings of the study reported that the absence of agricultural extension services and the shortage of extension potato specialist as a major problem. This however, was led to not applying of agricultural research and extension recommendations by the small-scale potato's farmers