Profitability of Dry Season Farming of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) Inter and Sole Cropping Systems in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the profitability of three different cropping systems. Data collected include cost of fixed assets, cost of variable inputs, yields and prices of outputs. Data were subjected to budgetary technique; analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. Results of the gross margin analysis showed that both the intercropping and only sole Amaranth vegetable production were profitable. The intercrop production had a gross margin of N567,920/ha with a total revenue of N1, 600,000 /ha and having the highest output of 8000kg/ha while the sole Amaranth vegetable production had a gross margin of N179, 920/ha with a total revenue of N1,200,000/ha and having an output of 6000kg/ha. Also, the intercrop vegetable production had a benefit cost ratio, rate of return and gross ratio of 1.51, 0.52 and 0.66, respectively while sole Amaranth production had a benefit cost ratio, rate of return and gross ratio of 1.15, 0.15 and 0.87, respectively. The result indicates that the two vegetable productions were profitable. Further analysis revealed that intercropping did not have significant (p<0.05) effect on the growth (plant height, number of leaves) of both vegetables. However, Jute yield was significantly (p<0.01) affected by Amaranth-Jute intercropping. Both the intercrop and sole Amaranth enterprises were profitable, but there was a significant difference in the profitability of the intercrop cropping system practised as the Amaranth/Jute intercrop was more profitable. The intercrop is, therefore, recommended to farmers since it is more profitable and provides a variety of income generation for the farmer’s thereby ensuring food and income security.