Swamp Rice Production in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined the economics of swamp rice production among peasant farmers in the Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State for 2001 cropping year. A total of 50 swamp rice farmers were randomly selected from 5 villages using multistage sampling technique. The data collected, with the aid of questionnaire were analysed using descriptive, regression and budgetary techniques. The results reveal swamp rice production to be profitable in the area. The farmers, who on the average were about 47 years old had an average of 16 years of farming experience. Labour cost was dominant, constituting about 86% of total cost of production and about 95% of the total variable cost. All the variable inputs were inefficiently utilized and about 85% of the variations in rice output could be explained by factors included in the regression model. In conclusion, efficiency and output in swamp rice production in the area can be increased by reducing the amount of labour used but increasing the quantity of seeds planted and adopting improved technologies such as improved seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilizer. Keywords: Agrochemical; fertilizers; swamp ricMoor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 6 (1&2) 2005 pp. 99-106