Analysis of Profitability of Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) Production in Central Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the profitability of pumpkin production in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; determine the costs and returns associated with pumpkin production and identify the constraints associated with pumpkin production. Primary data and secondary information were used for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and gross margin analysis. The results of the study revealed that the average total revenue obtained by the respondents was N102,122.6/ha, while the gross margin/ha was also estimated at N54,402.8/ha. The average net farm income was also determined at N35,902.2 and the net farm income per naira invested was calculated at N0.54 which shows that pumpkin production is profitable in the study area. The Benefit-cost ratio revealed a positive value (1.54) and it is greater than one and this confirmed the solvency of pumpkin business in the study area. The gross ratio, operating ratio and fixed ratio were calculated to be 0.65, 0.47 and 0.18 respectively and all were as well found to be positive and less than one. Major constraints identified includes; inadequate extension services (12.0%).Pest and disease infestation (10.0%),high cost of labour (9.3%), and inadequate access to credit facilities (8.6%). It is recommended that young and educated people should be advice and encouraged to take up pumpkin production as a profitable venture that is capable of generating employment to the teeming youths in the area. Government should encourage pumpkin farmers through provision of affordable and accessible credit facilities to boost scale of production and Research institutions should be encouraged to develop technologies that will minimize the menace of pests and disease infestation in pumpkin production. Adequate and well trained extension agents should be made available to provide supports to the farmers.