Profit Analysis of Rain Fed Cucumber Production in Anambra State

Abstract

The study examined profit analysis of rain fed cucumber production in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described socioeconomic characteristics, cost and returns and constraints to rain fed cucumber production in the study area. Multistage sampling and random techniques were used to select two agricultural zones, 4 LGAs, 8 communities and 160 respondents (farmers) for the study. Data were collected by means of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequency distribution, percentages and mean ranking. Findings from socioeconomic characteristics showed that much number of young and strong male folks dominated the production because of its duration for maturity and monetary value. The result of costs and returns showed that the net return on investment figure implied that for every 1 Naira invested in the production of rain fed cucumber, farmers return N2.29 kobo. The overall profitability proves that rain fed cucumber production is a profitable venture. Result showed that pests and disease, inadequate storage facilities, variation in weather conditions, inadequacy of capital and lack of required skills were perceived as the major constraints. Government should address the participation of extension officers in training intending rain fed cucumber farmers and soft loan should be made available for young people who intends venturing into the enterprise were recommended.

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