PROFITABILITY ASSESSMENT OF FURROW IRRIGATED MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID AREA OF MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Water scarcity due to the impact of climate change and the increasing global demand for water from many sectors including agriculture, has become a global concern especially in semi-arid regions where irrigation is the only alternative for crop production. The aim of this study was to determine the profitability of furrow irrigation method for maize production in a semi-arid environment of Nigeria. Two field experiments were conducted in the 2014 and 2015 seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State, which is located in the semi-arid region of North-Eastern Nigeria. The result shows that the total cost of production range from 259.51 to 297.31 $/ha. The fixed costs per hectare was 194.6 to 198.8$/ha. The variable costs per hectare was 64.91 to 98.51$/ha. The variable costs for tensiometer and pan were similar (98.51$/ha) while that of fixed irrigation interval of 7 days was 64.91$/ha. Fertilizer and water application costs accounted for 9.1 to 13.8% and 41.3% to 48.3% of the total variable cost respectively. The total revenue of the whole enterprise ranged from$435.3 to $843.1. The total revenue for the tensiometer and the ratio of irrigation amount stood at 843.1$/ha and 825.1$/ha respectively, while that of fixed irrigation interval (7 days) stood at 435.3$/ha. The net farm income and benefit cost ratio of $545.8 and 2.84 were obtained for the Tensoimeter technique. It is recommended that efforts aimed at reducing the cost of fuel such as adhering to recommended agronomic practices of irrigation scheduling and intervals should be promoted. Markets for irrigated products should also be established with modern facilities to encourage farmers in the profession.
Authors : Bashir, A.U., Muhammed, G. and Umaru, A.B.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 8(1) Date Uploaded : 6th August 2022