Analysis of Profitability of Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) Production in Central Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Asian Research Journal of Agriculture - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
This study examines the profitability of pumpkin production in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; determine the costs and returns associated with pumpkin production and identify the constraints associated with pumpkin production. Primary data and secondary information were used for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and gross margin analysis. The results of the study revealed that the average total revenue obtained by the respondents was N102,122.6/ha, while the gross margin/ha was also estimated at N54,402.8/ha. The average net farm income was also determined at N35,902.2 and the net farm income per naira invested was calculated at N0.54 which shows that pumpkin production is profitable in the study area. The Benefit-cost ratio revealed a positive value (1.54) and it is greater than one and this confirmed the solvency of pumpkin business in the study area. The gross ratio, operating ratio and fixed ratio were calculated to be 0.65, 0.47 and 0.18 respectively and all were as well found to be positive and less than one. Major constraints identified includes; inadequate extension services (12.0%).Pest and disease infestation (10.0%),high cost of labour (9.3%), and inadequate access to credit facilities (8.6%). It is recommended that young and educated people should be advice and encouraged to take up pumpkin production as a profitable venture that is capable of generating employment to the teeming youths in the area. Government should encourage pumpkin farmers through provision of affordable and accessible credit facilities to boost scale of production and Research institutions should be encouraged to develop technologies that will minimize the menace of pests and disease infestation in pumpkin production. Adequate and well trained extension agents should be made available to provide supports to the farmers.
Authors and Affiliations
A. A. Girei, U. Haruna, V. N. Osazuwa
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP338029
- DOI 10.9734/ARJA/2017/30206
- Views 91
- Downloads 0
A Survey on Social Economic Status, Fish Processing and Packaging Methods of Female Fish Processors in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria
The study was aimed at determining the social economic status, fish processing and packaging methods of female fish processors in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty well s...
Effect of Replacing Bone Ash with Fresh Water Snail (Pila ampullacea) Shell Ash on Carcass Characteristics of Weaner Rabbits
The research was conducted using twenty five (25) mixed breed weaner rabbits to investigate the effect of replacing bone ash with fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash on carcass parameters of weaner rabbits. Fiv...
Direct and Residual Effects of Animal Manures on Soil Properties and Yield Components of Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in an Ultisol of Southeast Nigeria
One of the ways of increasing soil nutrients and crop yield is by applying fertilizer which could be from inorganic or organic sources. Pot experiment was conducted at the screen house of the Teaching and Research Farm o...
Diversity of Cyanobacteria in Chunkankadai Paddy Wetlands, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, South India
Algae are one of the major groups of soil microflora in agricultural lands. Among algae, the bluegreens are considered to be very valuable in agriculture. The role of them in soil fertility enhancement has been extensive...
Influence of NPK Blended Fertiliser on Soil Chemical Properties under Acidic Conditions of Western Kenya on Finger Millet Crop
Soil acidity is a serious problem that affects crop productivity in Western Kenya region. The county governments of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia and Trans-Nzoia are promoting the application of NPK blended fertilizer...