Swamp Rice Farmers Research Articles

Enhancing Rice Productivity and Ensuring Food Security in Indonesia Through The Adoption of Innovative Technologies in Tidal Swamp Rice Farming

The expansion of rice cultivation areas in tidal swamp lands is crucial for Indonesia to increase rice production in order to meet the rising food demand in line with population growth. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore and assess innovative technologies that can be developed for rice cultivation in tidal swamp lands. The research was conducted using ScienceDirect (Core Collection) with keywords "Tidal Rice Farming," "Rice Productivity," "Technology," and "Food Security in Indonesia," and Google Scholar with keywords "Rice Production," "Tidal Swamp Rice," and "Indonesia," following the guidelines from PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The research includes peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on the recent technology of rice farming in tidal swamp fields. The research result show Tidal swamp land in Indonesia, covering 8.92 million ha with mineral soil 7.56 million ha and peat soil 1.36 million ha, mainly used for rice farming 2.8 million ha. The current rice productivity ranges between 4-5 million tons of unhulled rice per year. This finding concludes that the adoption of innovative technologies can be applied to increase rice productivity in tidal swamps, which holds great potential for enhancing food security in Indonesia. The study also highlights the importance of additional research to address challenges such as soil salinity, water availability, accessibility, and the adoption of these technologies across different tidal swamp land conditions.

Pengaruh Kearifan Lokal terhadap Pendapatan Usahatani Padi Rawa Lebak di Desa Jejawi Kecamatan Jejawi Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir

The aims of this research were: 1) To find out kinds of local wisdom in Jejawi Village Jejawi Sub-District Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, 2) To find out the income of lowland swamp rice farmers in Jejawi Village Jejawi Sub-District Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, 3) To determine the effect of local wisdom on the income of lowland swamp rice farmers in Jejawi Village Jejawi Sub-District Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. The method used in this study was a survey method with 30 farmers as the samples. This research was conducted in March 2022. The sampling method used in this study was purposive sampling method. The data collected in this study were primary and secondary data. The research data was analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis through SPSS. The result of the study showed that: 1) In Jejawi Village local wisdom was still applied in every process of rice farming steps starting from the preparation of land processing such as mengukut or cultivating together using a machete or hoe, seeding with menugal and melanting system planting by raising or mendederkan, fertilizing with natural humus, then maintaining with pest poisons which were made by themselves, harvesting by nyebat or ngarit and post-harvest by holding a thanksgiving. 2) The income earned by the lowland swamp rice farmers in Jejawi Village anually is Rp 777.716.668 with an average of Rp 25.923.888. 3) The variables that have positive effects include: land area, selling price, production cost have a negative effect on the income of lowland swamp rice farming in Jejawi Village.
 Kata kunci: local wisdom, lowland swamp, rice farming, income.

Endogenous learning and innovation in African smallholder agriculture: lessons from Guinea-Bissau

ABSTRACT Purpose To advance understanding about the way endogenous knowledge on mangrove swamp rice (MSR) farming is transmitted, reinvented and negotiated between generations and highlight the implications this has for R4D. Design/Methodology/Approach Long-term qualitative research using an ethnographic approach, technography and biographies of farmers. Findings The endogenous Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) is dynamic but faces shortcomings owing to socio-environmental changes. This highlights the relevance of knowledge exchanges from multiple sources, eroding the divide between endogenous and exogenous from the farmers’ point of view. For positive exogenously induced socio-technical change to occur, external actors must fully understand the conditions under which (a) endogenous knowledge is produced and reinvented and (b) endogenous innovations flow among farmers. This will then allow the co-production of innovations adapted to each specific agro-ecological, cultural and socio-economic context, leaving them to be further transformed and refashioned by smallholders to meet their individual ‘dispositions’ and generate the roots necessary for a strong AKIS. Practical implications This paper highlights the importance of locally embedded processes of learning and innovation, the better understanding of which can provide a more solid basis for the co-production of technologies and the establishment of an AKIS. Theoretical implications This paper improves understanding of socio-technological change in smallholder agriculture by focusing on endogenous processes of learning and innovation. Originality This paper advances the knowledge on endogenous processes of learning and socio-technical change in smallholder agriculture.

MODEL RESILIENSI NAFKAH RUMAHTANGGA PETANI PADI RAWA LEBAK DALAM MENGHADAPI PANDEMI COVID-19

This study aims to (1) analyze the structure of the household income of farmers during the covid-19 pandemic; and (2) analyze the household resilience of rice farmers in the Lebak swamp land and the factors that influence it. The research method used is a survey method with a sample of 60 rice farmers, which are divided into 2 strata, IP100 and IP200 farmers. The data analysis used for the first purpose is descriptive analysis method with tabulation, while the second objective uses multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the household income structure of the Lebak swamp rice farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic, both IP100 and IP200, was obtained from income from rice farming and outside farming, such as trade, iron welders and construction workers. From the research results, it can also be seen that the IP100 and IP200 farmers' resilience levels are relatively the same, namely in the high and medium categories. This is because the dominant source of livelihood is obtained from rice farming which in less than six months has harvested or generated income. The forms of livelihood resilience carried out by rice farming households in the Lebak swamp land include the use of savings, the use of social capital and the use of remittances. From the results of multiple linear regression analysis, it can be seen that there are three variables that significantly influence the level of household livelihood resilience of rice farmers in the Lebak swamp land, namely the farming experience variable, the farmer group membership dummy and the cropping index dummy.

ANALISIS USAHATANI PADI: (STUDI KASUS DI DESA BELANTI SIAM, KECAMATAN PANDIH BATU, KABUPATEN PULANG PISAU)

This study aims to determine the description of farming and to analyze the income of Rawa Paddy and its contribution to the household income of farmers in Belanti Siam Village, Pandih Batu District, Pulang Pisau Regency. The data analysis method uses a combination of primary and secondary data. The data obtained from the results of research and are qualitative in nature are processed in tabulated form and edited in the form of explanatory descriptions of the results of the interviews. The data from the research were then analyzed according to the purpose of this study. The sample of this research is Farmer Households (RTP) who have a steady income from Rawa Paddy Farming, where there are two farmer groups of 20 people and 22 people, then a random sample is taken from the 2 groups. The results of this study indicate that the income of Rawa Paddy obtained by farmers is Rp. 36,355,109 for one year and contributes 74.93% of the total household income of farmers of Rp. 48,518,176, or an average of Rp. 4,043,181 per month. . In general, it can be said that the income of Rawa Padi is quite large when compared to the minimum wage of Pulang Pisau Regency of Rp. 2.4 million per month, this shows that the role of swamp rice farming for farmers in Belanti Siam Village is very positive because it can increase farmers' income

The impact of seasonal changes on tidal water quality in acid sulfate soils for rice cultivation and water management strategies in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Water management is the leading key to success in tidal swamp rice farming of acid sulfate soils toward seasonal and climate changes to increase rice productivity for overcoming the threat of food crisis. This study aimed to assess and know the dynamics of tidal water quality from the dry peak season to the rainy season’s peak and the best practices on tidal water management strategies for rice cultivation in acid sulfate soils. Measurement started from the peak of the dry season to that of the rainy season, carried out every month at the spring and neap tides. The first measurement was conducted in the Ray 5 Channel located 3 km from the Barito River, hourly for 24 hours. The second one was performed every kilometer from the Barito’s Riverbanks up to 8 km during high and low tides. The main parameters measured were pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The results explained that water quality in tidal lands dynamically fluctuated, spatially, and temporally, hourly, daily, and monthly. Spatially, good water quality is only found at locations 0-4km on the water channel from the Barito River. The water quality decreases farther from the estuary channel and towards the rain peak. The best water quality in the channel occurs at the in-situ tide peak, usually for 2-3hours closest to or from the highest tide. However, the water quality is very acidic, with the pH∼3 value often overflowing the land at the height of the rainy season. This research can be used as a guide in water management in acid sulfate soils and other similar locations. Proper management and location-specific and compatible water systems are proposed to ensure good quality water can optimally improve agricultural success in tidal swamps of acid sulfate soils, namely by holding backwater during the dry season, water drain from the swampland in the rainy season, with leaching and flushing at the beginning rain, and closing the floodgates from the poor water quality.

Relevance of Local Wisdom towards Efforts to Achieve Sustainable Food Sovereignty in Bangsal Village, Pampangan District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency

This study aims paused analyzing the relevance of local wisdom toward efforts in achieving sustainable food sovereignty in Bangsal Village, Pampangan District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. This exploratory descriptive study was conducted in Bangsal Village, Pampangan District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency in February 2020. Data collected were both of primary and secondary data. The analyses show that the swamp marshland was managed into three parts, i.e. buffalo husbandry, swamp fish farming and rice farming is provably more appropriate. For the buffalo husbandry, the community apply their local wisdom of kalang (shepherd) system. While for the fish farming, the capture fishery (beje) system was used. Futhermore, for rice cultivation, it consists of several stages with their respective local wisdom used, i.e. a) tillage, using rewang and perarian systems, b) Seeding, using seeds from their last harvest, c) planting, transplanting, spaced planting, or direct planting (tunjam) d) fertilizing, using weeds or wild plants, e) maintaining, with local wisdom, using scarecrow and plastic surrounding field, f) harvest, mutual cooperation in cutting the rice with sickle (ngarit bersama), and g) post-harvest, selling the harvest directly or self-storage. The results show mean of 54.60 from the 7 indicators and it was included in high criteria. It is conluded that there was a significant relevance between local wisdom and efforts to achieve sustainable food sovereignty in Bangsal Village.

Social behavior and institutional support on the swamp rice sustainability

Social behavior of the community and the institutions that support farming facilities and infrastructure affect the success of farming. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior and institutional support for the success of rice farming in the tidal swamps of Riau Province. The study was conducted at the rice production center in Siak Regency using a survey method with a structured questionnaire. A total of 203 farmers were purposively selected as random samples in four districts, namely Bunga Raya, Sungai Apit, Sabak Auh and Sungai Mandau. The observation parameters were education, training, age, motivation farming, land tenure and experience in agriculture. The collected data tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that agriculture in Bunga Raya was more sustainable compared to other sub-districts with index value of social and cultural dimensions (> 50%) and the value of the legal and institutional dimension sustainability index to be 53.9%. The factors that influence the sustainability of the swamp rice farming in Siak Regency were good farmer behavior (age, education, motivation, experienced and landowner status), the existence of supporting institutions peculiarly farming group and BPP that synergize well and government regulations in favor of agricultural development and their sustainability.

Determinants of Technical In-efficiencies in Swamp Rice Farming - Ciamis District, Indonesia

Rice farming in swamps, a marginal land, has a relatively high risk related to the level of technical efficiency. This research was conducted with the aim of identifying the level of technical efficiency and the influence factors of technical inefficiency in Lakbok Subdistrict, Ciamis District, Indonesia. Simple random sampling was used with a sample size of 41 farmers. The analysis was carried out using a stochastic frontier function. The results showed that the average level of technical efficiency was 0.78. Education and family size have a significant effect on technical inefficiency.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERPENGARUH TERHADAP EFISIENSI USAHATANI PADI LAHAN RAWA DI KABUPATEN CIAMIS

The study aims to determine:: (1) Efficiency of swamp rice farming in planting season I and II, (2) Differences in efficiency of swamp rice farming in planting season I and II,, and (3) actors that influence the efficiency of swamp rice farming. The study was conducted in Sukanagara Village, Lakbok Subdistrict, Ciamis District with a total sample of 41 farmers. The efficiency of swamp rice farming is analyzed using the R/C ratio, the difference in efficiency is analyzed using t test, and the factors that influence the efficiency of swamp rice farming are analyzed using multiple linear regression equations. The results showed that: (1) Farmers who achieved efficiency in swamp rice farming in planting season I were 35 people (85.36%), while in planting season II there were 41 people (100%), (2) There is a significant difference between the efficiency of swamp rice farming in planting season I and II, and (3) Land area, capital, education and planting season have a significant effect on the efficiency of swamp rice farming. While age, experience and the number of family dependents did not significantly influence the efficiency of swamp rice farming.

Feasibility of Swamp Paddy Farming with New Superior Varieties and Different Planting System

Alfayanti A, Wilda M, Taupik R. 2020. Feasibility of swamp paddy farming with new superior varieties and different planting system. Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal: Journal of Suboptimal Lands 9(1): 50-56.Efforts to fulfil the community food demands could be achieved by swamp land optimization. One technology that can be developed on swamp land is utilization of new superior variety and planting system. Economic feasibility is one of considerations for farmers to adopt a technology innovation. The study aimed to determine the combination of the most economically viable new superior variety and planting system to be developed in swamp rice farming. The study was conducted from May-August 2016 in Karang Anyar Village Semidang Alas Maras district, Seluma Regency. There are 7 New Superior Varieties of swamp paddy cultivated; Inpara 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and Dendang and 1 existing variety as benchmark variety, Cigeulis. The planting system applied were legowo planting system (2:1) with insertion and without insertion. The data used to achieve the research objectives is primary data in the form of farming data to calculate economic benefits and feasibility. Farm profit is calculated using partial analysis whereas economic feasibility is calculated by evaluating the break even point and R/C ratio. The results showed that Inpara 6 with legowo planting system with insertion yield the largest profit Rp 15.096.600,-/ha with R/C ratio of 2.92.

The Influence of Tidal on Fe Distribution at Tidal Swamp Rice-Farming in Barito River Area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Iron (Fe) poisoning can cause problems on growth, the formation of saplings, and the filling of grains. These problems lead to and plant death or decrease in productivity. The inhibition of growth and production is increasingly higher in susceptible varieties. The distribution of iron concentration varies in different regions and locations of swamp rice farming. Various adverse effects of iron poisoning on rice have been widely reported, but the spatial distribution of iron in tidal fields is still rare. Iron distribution in various soil profile depths has not been widely investigated and data availability to avoid Fe poisoning in tidal swamps has not been widely reported. Spatial distribution of Fe concentrations is needed as a reference for rice cultivation in tidal swamps. This study has been conducted in November 2015 until August 2017 using the survey method in the Barito River area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The use of thematic maps such as tidal height difference (Δ), tidal flood type, and thickness of mud map. The results showed that the spatial concentration of Fe is highest in the zone I which has the highest difference (Δ) of high tide maximum and low tide maximum. While on the soil profile, the highest of Fe concentration is in layer 1 and the lowest concentration is in layer 3. Based on the overflow type, the highest Fe concentration is typed A and type B especially close to the estuary. To prevent iron poisoning, rice seedlings should reach layer 2 (> 10 cm) and choose the safe zone that is zone II, III, or IV to produce optimal rice production.

PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN PETANI PADI RAWA PASANG SURUT MELALUI PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI RAISA DI SUMATERA SELATAN

Tidal swamp land has great potential and opportunities to be used as food production areas, especially rice. The IAARD has produced many technologies and varieties that are adaptive in the growing environment of tidal swamps, but their use and distribution have not been widely known and applied by farmers. The research to increase the income of tidal swamp rice farmers is intended to analyze the tidal swamp rice technology that is being developed. Research in Sukamulya Village, sub district Tungkal Ilir, District of Banyuasin, South Sumatera. The research on 2018 dry season, activities began with a pre-survey which was also used to conduct needs and opportunity studies on farmer groups who would apply tidal swamp rice cultivation technology to tidal swamp rice activities using the RAISA technology approach. Data collection is done using with and without method by means of farm record keeping. Farming analysis is used to analyze collected data. Pre-survey results, based on ranking and priority, there are 5 problems that must be immediately implemented and addressed, namely substandard irrigation, rat control, weed control, drought in the constitutional court, and fertilizer dosage. Based on the agreement, the 5 problems will be overcome by mutual cooperation on the cleaning of tertiary channels, integrated rate control, integrated weed control, planting on time, the use of water pumps, rice variety tolerant to drought, and applying fertilizer doses based on kid fertilizer. The average grain yield of farmers cooperator in tidal swamp rice farms of 5,420 kg/ha is 18.86% higher than that of non-cooperator farmers who average 4,560 kg/ha and the level of profit from tidal swamp farming in farmers cooperator is more feasible when compared to non-cooperator farmers.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Access to Formal Loan Among Small-scale Swamp Rice Farmers in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the factors influencing access to formal agricultural loan among small-scale swamp rice farmers in Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 120 respondents by using multi-stage random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and logit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results showed that majority (62.5%) of the farmers were males, about 40% were aged between 31-40 years, married (68.33%), had household size of 7-9 persons (51.67%), had secondary education (51.67%), had farm sizes of 1-2ha (50.83%), had farming experiences of 11-20 years (45%) and only 30.83% had annual farm income of between N51,000.00 and N100,000.00. The logit regression analysis revealed that gender, farm income, household size, education and collateral positively influenced the probability of farmers’ access to loan at 1% significant level respectively. Marital status, farming experience and farm size positively influenced access to loan at 5%, 5% and 10% respectively The major constraints respondents faced in accessing loan are long period of processing loan applications, problem of getting collateral and high interest rate while the major constraints they faced in rice production are crop destruction by cattle, low yield as a result of pests and diseases and low yield as a result of poor soil. The Federal Government should enact law that will motivate the cattle herders to compensate any farmer whose crops have been destroyed or eaten by their cattle and banks should process loan applications on time so that the loan will be disbursed to farmers at the appropriate time.

The Impact of Using Combine Harvester Technology on Social Economic Conditions of Swamp Rice Farmers and Harvest Workers in South Sumatera

The objectives of this research were: (1) to analyze the use of labor allocation, productivity and income of swamp rice farmers of users and non-users of combine harvester technology; (2) to explore the impact of combine harvester technology and other factors on rice farm income; and (3) to analyze the impacts of using combine harvester technology on the socio-economic condition of farmers and harvest workers. From the result of the research, it can be seen that the amount of labor allocation in swamp rice farming conducted by farmer users of combine harvester is smaller than that of the non-users, that is 57,60 HOK and 117,63 HOK respectively. The productivity of swamp rice farming on the users is 4.543.56 kg per hectare per year in the form of dry grains whereas that of the non-users only reached 4,423,33 kg per hectare per year. Income of swamp rice farming using combine harvester is larger if compared with that of the non users that is equal to Rp14,942,737.16 per hectare per year for the users and Rp9,954,095.76 per hectare per year for the non-users. From the result of regression analysis, it can be seen that dummy variables of combine harvester technology, experience of farming, productivity, fertilizer cost, pesticide cost and labor cost have significant impacts on rice farmer income. Combine Harvester technology has both positive and negative impacts on social, economic and technical conditions in swamp rice farming for the farmers and worker harvesters. Keywords: combine harvester, social, economy, rice, swamp

Technical Efficiency of Swamp Rice Farmers in Ebonyi South Agricultural Zone, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Technical efficiency of resource use is imperative for increased rice production in Nigeria. The study attempted to determine the technical efficiency of swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi south agricultural zone, Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of the swamp rice farmers, determined the technical efficiency of the swamp rice farmers as well as the distribution of technical efficiency among swamp rice farmers in the study area. Purposive and random sampling technique were used to select sixty respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic production frontier. Results showed that the swamp rice farmers were in their active age (47years), predominantly male (70%), had average education (8 years spent in school) and married (86.7%). The maximum likelihood estimates showed that the variables of farm size, seed and labour were determinants of technical efficiency. The mean level of technical efficiency was 75.9% suggesting that an estimated 24.1% of the output is lost due to technical inefficiency in swamp rice production.

Analysis of Technical Efficiency among Swamp Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to evaluate the Technical efficiency among swamp rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 159 swamp rice farmers. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the stochastic frontier production function. The results showed that less than 30% of farmers belong to cooperative societies. Majority (74%) were found to be within active age group of 31-50 years. The result of Cobb-Douglass stochastic frontier production function showed that the individual technical efficiency ranges between 34-98 percent with mean technical efficiency of 86%. The result revealed that there is high coefficient of variation (CV) of socio-economic factors, implying high variation in socio-economic factors. This could induce high variation in output among sampled farmers and could affect the efficiency of production. Analysis of inefficiency model showed that age, family size, extension contact and membership of cooperatives were the significant determinants of technical efficiency among the swamp rice farmers in the study area. The study therefore recommends that Swamp rice farmers in the study area should be enlightened by the extension agents on the use of recommended practices so as to improve farmers’ technical efficiency.Keywords: Coefficient of variation, Technical Efficiency, Swamp rice

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALL HOLDER RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN EBONYI STATE SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Economic analysis of Upland and Swamp rice production in Ebonyi State, South east Nigeria was studied and analyzed in 2011 farming season. Purposive and multistage random sampling technique was used to select agricultural blocks, circles and rice farmers. The sample size was 240 rice farmers (120 Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Upland rice contact farmers and 120 Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Swamp contact rice farmers). Data for the analysis were collected from a structured questionnaire. The result indicates that mean ages of upland rice farmers was 37.3 years while swamp rice farmers had 39.2 years. The mean farming experience for both farmers were 8.5 years (upland rice farmers) and 8.8 years (swamp rice farmers) with farm sizes of 1.2 and 1.1 hectares for upland rice farmers and swamp rice farmers respectively. Upland rice farmers had an annual farm income of 189,410.00 NGN (1,222USD) as against 201,166.00 NGN (1,297.85USD) for Swamp rice farmers. The multiple regression (Cobb Douglas) estimates of the determinants of output of upland rice showed that coefficients age, farming experience, farm size, variable inputs and farm income were positively signed at given levels of probability while capital inputs was negative. The Cobb Douglas regression estimates of the determinants of output of Swamp rice showed that the coefficients of education, labour cost, farm size, variable inputs and farm income were positively signed and significant at given levels of probability as well as capital inputs which was negative. The result indicates that net profit from Upland rice cultivation was 92,800.00 NGN (598.71USD) with a Benefit Cost Ratio of N1.55 (1.56USD). The net profit from Swamp rice cultivation was 132,090.00 NGN (852.19USD) and a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.75 NGN (1.75USD). Access to credit to rice farmers, subsidy on farm inputs, dissemination of improved rice technologies by extension agents and formation of farmer groups were advocated for increased rice production.

Production Efficiency of Swamp Rice Production in Cross River State, Nigeria: Stochastic Frontier Approach

This study compares profit maximization, output optimization and resource use efficiency in production of two varieties of swamp rice by farmers in Cross River State of Nigeria. Data were collected from 224 rice farmers from twelve Local Government Areas in Cross River State were interviewed using three-stage stratified random sampling procedure involving simple random sampling technique was used to selected respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier function that incorporated inefficiency effects were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood Estimate (MLE). The result showed that the sum of elasticity of 1.33 and 1.65 for local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively indicates that local and improved varieties of swamp rice farmers in the study area were operating in the inefficient stage (ΣP is greater than 1; increasing return to scale region). The gamma(γ) were 0.60 and 0.75 for local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively and significant at the 1% level. It is an indication that 60 and 75 percent variation in output of local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively are attributed to technical inefficiency. The sigma-square(δ2) on the other hand were 0.45 and 0.51 for local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively and significant at the 5% level. The Likelihood Ratio Test(LRT) for local variety of swamp rice (25.61) and improved variety of swamp rice (20.53) were technically inefficient. The result of the study shows that improved variety of swamp rice farmers were more efficient than local variety of swamp rice farmers. The result of the finding also shows that small-scale farmers were more efficient than medium and large-scale farmers. The R2 was 0.63 for local variety of swamp rice and 0.61 for improved variety of swamp rice, indicates that the predictor variables explained about 63 percent and 61 percent of the variation in output for local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively. The F-ratios were 15.39 and 10.50 for local and improved varieties of swamp rice respectively and was significant at 1 percent. The result of the finding shows that a net return of N145,667.00K with N6.27K made on every naira invested in local variety of swamp rice produced in the study area. Comparatively, improved swamp rice farmers realized a net return of N277,397.00k with N9.80K made on every naira invested in improved variety of swamp rice produced in the study area. Rice farming business is a profitable business, with attractive net return on investment. Therefore, unemployed youths in Cross River State are encourage to start rice farming and they should form Young Rice Farmers Cooperative or joint existing cooperative groups to enable them obtain loans from banks to invest in rice production.Keywords: Efficiency, Resource use, Production, Profit maximization, Output optimization, Swamp rice

Economic analysis of swamp rice production in Ebonyi Southern Agricultural Zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The aim of the paper is to analyze the determinants and profitability of the output of swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi southern Agricultural zone of Ebonyi State. Primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires. A total of eighty (80) swamp rice farmers were randomly selected from the different blocks and circles of the Zone. The multiple regression analysis (Cobb- Douglas) showed that education had positive effects on the output of swamp rice at 1% level of probability. Also, household size, farm size and farming experience were statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The equation explained 71.10% of the variation in the output of swamp rice production in the study area. The results also indicate that the net profit of swamp rice cultivation per hectare was N126, 590.00. Farmers should be encouraged to engage in swamp rice cultivation by providing access to funds. Formation of cooperatives is very essential to overcome financial constraints and ban on rice importation should be enacted to encourage local rice production.