EFFECT OF FARM SIZE AND FREQUENCY OF CUTTING ON OUTPUT OF FLUTED PUMPKIM (Telfeira sp.) IN ITU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain the effect of farm size and frequency of cutting on the output of fluted pumpkin (Telfeiria sp) through a survey of some farms in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Thirty-two farmers were selected and interview schedules administered to them to obtain the relevant information. A multiple regression involving the use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation technique was used in analyzing the data so collected. The results indicated that the farm size and frequency of cuttings had positive impact and was significant at the on per cent level. The elasticity of production with respect to farm size was 0.71 while that with respect to frequency of cutting was 1.93. It was therefore recommended that research should be conducted to ascertain optimum frequency of cutting that would produce maximum output of the vegetable as well as the development of high yielding variety to enhance land production.


KEY WORDS: Farm size, frequency of cuttings, fluted pumpkin, output.


Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 114-116