ABSTRACT
This study examined the profitability of dry season pumpkin leaves production in Ovia North East Local Govt Area of Edo State. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of dry season pumpkin leaves farmers in the study area, estimate the cost and returns associated with dry season pumpkin leaves production in the study area, determine the profitability of the enterprise during dry season production. Other objectives were; to determine the effect of farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics on profit and identify the constraints facing dry season pumpkin leaves production in the study area.
Data for this study were obtained from primary sources. Primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire through the interview schedule administered to 120 randomly selected farmers from the study area. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regressions analysis.
Results from the descriptive statistics showed that majority of the farmers were un- educated females (66%) and a larger percentage were married (68%). The mean age, mean farm size and mean household size were 55 years,0.79 hectares and 13 persons respectively. The results also indicated that on the average Total Cost of N 57,546.4/ha was incurred during the planting season and a total revenue of N 322,911.3/ha was realised. This gave a profit of N 265,364.9, thus indicating the enterprise was profitable. The rate of return on investment was N 4.61 implying, a return of N 4.61 and a profit of N 3.61 were obtained for every naira Invested. The results of the multiple regressions analysis showed that coefficients of age, farm size and experience had statistically significant effects on farmers’ profit. The results also showed that the major constraints faced by the farmers were high cost of planting material, labour, inadequate and low patronage by wholesalers, poor access to improved seeds and poor pest and disease control. The study concluded that pumpkin leaves production during dry season is profitable in the study area and as such much efforts should be put in to ensure increased productivity during dry season.
