January 2016 Vol. 4 No.1

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Original Research Article

Assessment of Factors Affecting Net Returns from Garden Egg (solanum melongena) Production in Abia State, South East Nigeria

^*D. O. Onu, K. C. Obike and F. E. Ebe

Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P. M. B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State

*Corresponding Author's E-mail dononu@yahoo.com

Accepted December 28, 2015

Abstract

This study assessed the factors that affect net returns from garden egg production in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 200 smallholder garden egg farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages) and multiple regression techniques. Results showed that the mean age, level of education, household size, and farm size were 45 years, 12years, 8 persons, and 0.5 hectares respectively. The results also showed that labour cost took the highest proportion with 57.6% of the total expenses incurred in garden egg production, while marketing charges took the lowest proportion with 1.1%. The mean net return per hectare from garden egg production was N113,658. The results also showed that cost of agro-chemicals and size of farm land were the major determinants of net returns from garden egg production by showing a statistically significant effect at 5% level. Provision of these inputs in adequate quantities and at affordable prices will ensure enhanced net returns from garden egg

Key words: Garden egg, Hectares, Net returns, Regression, Smallholder farmers