ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF IRISH POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM) PRODUCTION UNDER IRRIGATION IN JOS METROPOLIS OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analyzed the economic performance of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) production under irrigation in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 220 respondents across Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East Local Government Areas. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and budgetary techniques. The results revealed that the majority (73.2%) of the farmers were male, majority (68.6%) were married and most (85.9%) had formal education. More than half (51.4%) of the farmers were full-time, indicating a strong dependence on agriculture as their primary livelihood. Cost and return analysis showed a total cost of ₦208,156,100, total revenue of ₦465,308,000, and a net farm income of ₦257,151,900, resulting in a return on naira invested (RNI) of 1.7. This implies that irrigated Irish potato production in Jos Metropolis is economically viable. However, farmers faced major constraints such as pest and disease infestation (90.5%), inadequate capital (89.1%), poor access to credit (87.7%), and high cost of technology (86.8%). The study concludes that while potato farming under irrigation offers significant profitability potential, productivity is hindered by capital and technical limitations. Strengthening access to finance, inputs, and extension support could substantially enhance efficiency and output.