Tomato Production Under Irrigation in Some Selected Districts of Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the economics of tomato production under irrigation in selected district of Zuru Local Government in Kebbi State. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select tomato irrigation farmer. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire administered to the tomato farmers. Data analyses were done using farm budget model and multiple regression analysis. The result show that the major source of income is from the profit gain from tomato farming which implies that irrigated tomato production is profitable in the area with average net farm income of N 405750 per hectare. Result of the multiple regressions revealed farm size (1%), quantity of seed (5%) and capital (10%) were positive and statistically significant by the means of contributing to farm total output. The R2 for linear function for tomato farmers is 0.787 which implies that 78.7% of the tomato farmers are dependent variable are explained by variation in the explanatory variable included in the model. However, result of the MVP/MFC ratio test revealed that both seeds, capital and Agrochemical has MVP/MFC ratio of 0.7042, 0.661 and -1.301 respectively were over-utilized by the tomato farmers. It is therefore recommended that loan and credit facilities should be provided for irrigated tomato farmers in the study area. Finally, extension agents should be provided to disseminate research finding and educate tomato farmers in other to boost profitability of the business.