PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE-USE EFFICENCY OF MELON UNDER SOLE AND MIXED CROPPING SYSTEM IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the profitability and resource-use efficiency of melon under sole and mixed cropping systems in Niger State, Nigeria. Data collection involved the use of primary data through structured questionnaire. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study and a total of 120 farming households engaging in melon production were used. Data were analyzed using budgetary analysis to determine the profit levels of the farmers, elasticity of production and returns to scale were used to determine the economic of scale while efficiency ratio was used to determine the resource-use efficiency of the farmers. The result of the costs and returns analysis revealed that Gross Margin/Ha was ₦170,304.69 and ₦67,199.39 for sole cropping and mixed cropping systems, respectively. Some of the problems identified were poor yield, water scarcity and non-availability of credit. Governments should organize adult education to educate the farmers on how to effectively utilize the resources at their disposal.