Input utilization and profitability of lowland rice production in three selected Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed input utilization and profitability of lowland rice production in Ardo-kola, Gassol and Wukari Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Taraba State of Nigeria. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire administered to a total of 90 randomly selected farmers from the study area (30 respondents from each LGA). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, gross margin and net profit analyses, and profitability ratio. The results of the study showed that the lowland rice farmers had an average farm size of 7.32ha. Rice seed, fertilizer and herbicide used were 73.36kg, 26.86kg and 2.68 litres per hectare, respectively. Labour input was 66 mandays/ha and was complimented with tractor hiring (1.95 hours/ha). Tractor was mainly for ploughing and harrowing. Labour was the most expensive input in the lowland rice production, and accounted for about 54% of the total cost. The productivity of the lowland rice was 2.43 metric tons/ha and the lowland rice production was profitable with gross margin and net profit per hectare of ₦‎98,233.50 and N93,698.32, respectively. Every one naira invested in the business yielded a net return of ₦‎1.34. Since the lowland rice production was a profitable business venture in the area, government should intensify efforts in subsidizing the costs of inputs and provision of credit facilities to enhance productivity and profitability.