PADDY PRODUCTION AS SOURCE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME

ABSTRACT

The study examined the economics of paddy production and marketing in household income in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.  Using multi-stage random sampling technique, a total of 120 paddy producers and marketers were randomly selected.  The relevant data for the study were collected through a set of structured questionnaire administered to the selected respondents.  The study described the systems of rice production and marketing in the study area, compared the socio-economic characteristics of rice producers and marketers, and their effects on production and marketing of rice, described the rice market and its distribution channels, compared costs and returns of rice production and marketing, identified and examined the major problems of rice production and marketing and made recommendations for enhancing rice production and marketing. The analytical tools used in this study included descriptive statistics, multiple regressions, enterprise budgeting, costs and returns, marketing and gross margin analysis. Result of the study showed that more males than females were involved in rice farming and more females than males in marketing. Majority of both producers and marketers were within the age bracket of 40-49 years.  Amongst all the categories of household sizes, those with 1-10 members for both the producers and marketers had more output than others.  Majority of the producers and marketers sourced their funds from personal savings.  Most farms and markets were of short distances, therefore transport costs was affordable. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made feeder roads should be maintained by appropriate government authorities, this will help to retain the affordable transport costs, grading and standardization should encouraged in line with national and international best practices