COMPARING PROFITS OF ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC FLUTED PUMPKIN AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conceptualized to compare profits of organic and non-organic farming technologies among smallholder fluted pumpkin farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of location and respondents. The data were collected using structured questionnaire from 240 organic and non-organic smallholder fluted pumpkin farmers. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and enterprise budgeting method. Results indicated that the profit realized by organic and non-organic (conventional system) fluted pumpkin farmers was N561,850 and N222,130 per farmer per plot, respectively. The study concluded that organic system of vegetable production was more profitable than conventional system. It was recommended that farmers should concentrate more on organic system of fluted pumpkin production to enable good profit.