Yield estimation and profitability of cotton production in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study estimated the yield and profitability of cotton production in northern Nigeria. Primary data were used for the study using a well-structured questionnaire and experimental plots. Data were collected on the cost of inputs, price and quantity of output as well as constraints facing the enterprise. Crop cut experiment was used to estimate the yield per hectare during a given cultivation cycle. The budgetary technique was used to estimate cost and returns to cotton production and Likert scale was used to identify and rank the constraints facing the enterprise. Random Sampling was employed to select eleven cotton farmers from Anka, Maru and Talata-mafara Local Government Areas to have a sum of thirty-three respondents from which one respondent from each of the three local governments volunteered to host the experimental plot for the crop cut. These selections were done based on their prominence in cotton production. The average estimated quantity of the three plots located in the three local government gives an estimated value of 1183 kg/ha. The study showed that cotton production is profitable with a gross margin of ₦40 while the profit index and benefit-cost ratio were 0.12 and 1.13 respectively. Major constraints facing the production of cotton were insufficient funding, poor/unstable pricing, high cost of inputs, policy summersault, poor linkage with off-takers and pest and diseases. This study recommends that governments at all levels should provide loans with no or very low interest for the farmers to solve the problem of funds and put in place policy measures aimed at regulating the price of cotton to establish a good marketing system. There is a need for research institutes to develop more high yielding cotton seeds for cotton farmers to increase yield for more profit. Cotton farmers need to be introduced to new techniques and innovations for maximum output, hence a need for more extension services. Keywords: Cotton production, crop cut experiment, profitability.