DETERMINANTS OF ONION STORAGE LOSSES AMONG FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated onion storage losses among farmers in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Sokoto State. The four LGAs were purposively selected for the study. From the LGAs, 80 farmers were randomly select for 16 purposively)' selected villages. 'Daji on onion storage data were collected .fortnightly between December 2002 and September 2003. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Rudu, room, dabi and bukkakutubi were the storage structures commonly used by respondents. An average of 4, 389.2 g were stored for a duration of between one to five months. Rotting, dehydration and sprouting were the major causes of storage losses. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that quantity of onion stored and duration ot storage had significant (Pe0.01) influence on storage losses. To reduce the level ot storage losses, farmers should be educated on the general storage procedure for onion. Research should be intensified so that better and more efficient storage methods could be developed, the use of bukkakutubi storage by farmer should be encouraged tor It gave the least storage losses an the establishment of onion dehydration plants buy the private sector be encouraged to process onion into more durable products.