COSTS AND RETURNS ANALYSIS OF MAIZE AND RICE PRODUCTION IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study examined the costs and returns of maize and rice in Niger State, Nigeria. The Population of the study comprises of all maize and rice farmers in the study area. A Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting 200. Data were collected using questionnaire and analysed using farm budget technique. Findings showed that maize and rice (combined) rice, maize incurred a total cost of N 20,439.08 per ha, N 24,446.81 per ha and N 17,681.51, respectively. Gross margin of N 33,446.65 and N 35,778.79 was recorded under maize and enterprise. It also shows the result of net farm income (NFI) and return on naira invested (ROI) per hectare for maize and rice farmers respectively. The result shows that rice farming in the study area is profitable and it also shows that maize and rice as a combined enterprise is profitable with return of investment of N1.58. Policy implication drawn from the results includes design policies to ensure that farmers’ have good access to fertilizers and seed.