Evaluation of Improved Dessi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties in Golohajo, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an economically important crop cultivated by nearly one million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. As the largest chickpea-producing country in Africa, Ethiopia contributes approximately 37% of the total cultivated area and 48% of the production. However, the lack of environmentally adapted varieties remains a major constraint to productivity in the study area. A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season in Fafan Zone, Somali Regional State (SRS), Ethiopia, to introduce and evaluate high-yielding chickpea varieties. Six improved varieties (Esheter, Natoli, Hora, Koka, Dimtu, and Dalota) were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each experimental plot consisted of five rows. Data on phenological traits, growth parameters, yield, and yield-related components were collected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the varieties for total yield and key agronomic traits. Natoli (2027 kg/ha) and Dimtu (1495 kg/ha) outperformed the other varieties, demonstrating the highest grain yields. Therefore, these varieties are recommended for local production. Further multi-season and multi-location trials are needed to validate these findings and provide robust recommendations.