Efficiency of labour and fertilizer use in sugarcane production by small-holder farmer in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined efficiency of labour and fertilizer usage in sugarcane production by small holder farmers in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger State. Primary data was collected from 110 randomly selected farmers using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, the gross margin analysis, multiple regression analysis and resource use efficiency ratio. The result shows that 10.9% of the sampled farmers fall below 30 years of age and 96.3% are married, 40% of the farmers had Quranic education. About 90.9% of the sample farmers had over 30 years of faming experience. 68.1% of the sample farmers had farming as their primary occupation. The predominant system of land tenure in the area is by inheritance. The estimated gross income gives an average value of 87,550 per annum while the net farm income was estimated at 50,500 respectively. The production function analysis show that seedling (X2) and agrochemical (X5) were significant factors influencing the output of sugarcane production at 1% and 5% level of probability respectively. The efficiency ratio (r) indicates that farm size was underutilized while fertilizer and labour were over utilized. The major problems facing farmers include high cost of transportation, price fluctuation, Farm input, Input Incentives and Lack of adequate modern facilities.