Efficiency of Resource Use in Hybrid and Open-Pollinated Maize Production in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crop in Nigerian agriculture. The crop occupies a crucial place than other cereal crops since it is used as food, feed, fodder and other industrial raw material. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative study on the productivity of hybrid and open-pollinated maize, with the participation of farmers in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state. Precisely, it evaluated the current hybrid and open-pollinated maize production technologies by describing their major socioeconomic factors, and most importantly identifying the economic difference between hybrid and open-pollinated maize, using the farm survey data collected from 160 maize farming communities in October-December for the cropping year 2009-'10. The result of analysis of resource use efficiency of hybrid and openpollinated maize showed that all resources were inefficiently utilized because the ratios were not equal to one. The resource use efficiency of hybrid and open pollinated maize production in the study area was computed from Efficiency ratio r i.e., the ratio of MVP (Marginal Value Product) and MFC (Marginal Factor Cost). The ratio indicates that sampled farmers underutilized fertilizer and insecticides. The efficiency ratio for seeds, labour and herbicides were less than one showing that the sampled farmers over-utilized seeds, labour and herbicides on the farms. This study suggested the need to bring more area under hybrid maize cultivation. Furthermore, there is need for special training, seminars, field demonstrations and technical support for the maize farmers. As most of the communities had no formal education, the extension program should be intended to the less educated farmers. In addition, the credit facility particularly the procedure for loan should be made simple to improve hybrid and open-pollinated maize production in the study area.

Economic Advantage of Hybrid Maize over Open-Pollinated Maize in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State

“…In recent times, hybrid maize production has been given widespread support among farmers in Nigeria. Although, hybrid maize is renowned for its high demand for plant nutrients as well as additional production inputs (Ayinde et al, 2011). Even though, it is grown extensively in many countries of the world; the farmers, has been taught with the belief that all details, crucial for maximum production of hybrid maize, must be fulfilled, before the realization of the best possible income.…”

“…Even though, it is grown extensively in many countries of the world; the farmers, has been taught with the belief that all details, crucial for maximum production of hybrid maize, must be fulfilled, before the realization of the best possible income. As a result, the extra cost of production discourages, a good number farmers engaging in hybrid maize production in the country (Ayinde et al, 2011). They further added that the yield of hybrid maize, differ from species to species, place to place and besides, it relies on the availability of crucial factors such as soil nutrient status and application of fertilizer.…”