Cost and Returns Analysis for Small-scale Dry Season Tomato Production in Onitsha Agricultural Zone of Anambra state

Abstract

The study analyzed the cost and returns of dry season tomato production by small scale farmers in Onitsha Agricultural Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. Eighty farmers were randomly selected for the study and data were analyzed, using descriptive analysis and profitability analysis. The results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 42 years, implying that they were in their productive ages. The respondents were fairly educated as about 45 percent of them had secondary school education. The result of the profitability analysis revealed average gross margin and net income of N670,103.72 and N657,454.62 for tomato intercrop farmers respectively; average gross margin and net margin of N589,910.14 and N577,261.04 respectively, for sole tomato enterprise farmers respectively. This indicated that dry season tomato production was a profitable venture in the study area. The analysis further identified inadequate farm credit and poor storage facilities as the main problems faced by the farmers. The study therefore recommends that farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative societies so as to enable them obtain loans from commercial banks and agricultural banks at regulated interest rates. Government should also focus research on viable methods of storing tomatoes and other vegetables, so as to encourage farmers to produce more and ensure food security.

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“…It has an average annual rainfall of 1386mm and temperature of 25.9 o C with relative humidity between 65-80% all year round. The five main rivers and their tributaries that drain Anambra State are River Niger, Anambra River, zmamu/Ezu River, Idemili River and Ulasi river while other smaller perennial streams in the state are Oyi,Nkisi and Obizi (Nwigwe et al, 2020) [16] . Agriculture is an important economic sector in Anambra as many of the people are involved in farming due to the state rich arable soil as well as other resources that makes it suitable for agro-based activities like fishing for communities along riverine areas.…”