Economic Analysis of Onion Production Along River Komadugu Area of Yobe State,Nigeria

Abstract

This study focus on the economic analysis of onion production along river Komadugu area of Yobe State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was employed for collecting primary data from a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) onion farmers in the study area. Analytical tools used were; descriptive statistics, farm budgeting models, and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that most of the out growers are male and Majority were middle age (35-44 years) and have had substantial experience in onion production. The net farm income analysis showed that onion production was profitable (N98,134/ha).The production function analysis revealed that a unit increase in farm size, hired labour, seeds, herbicide, fertilizer and insecticide provide an extra yield of 222.60, 100.90, 100.99,15.00, 70.00 and 12.50 kg/ha respectively. The analysis also indicated that farm size has the highest MVP (N14, 469.00). The study also found that land size, labour, seed and fertilizer were over utilized for onion production with efficiency ratio greater than one (2.41, 9.37, 6.56 and 2.21) while, insecticide and herbicide were under utilized for onion production with efficiency ratio of less than one (0.77 and 0.54).Problems associated with high cost of production inputs, lack of adequate storage facilities, limited access to improved seeds, high cost of transport, fluctuation of market price and lack of sufficient capital among others were some of the problems identified as confronting onion farmers in the study area. Policies to ensure adequate and sustainable supply of basic onion production inputs, improve access to good transportation networks, improve market structures in the study area were preferred as policy recommendations. Key