ECONOMICS OF SEED YAM PRODUCTION FROM MINISETTS IN UMUDIKE IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL GROWERS

This study evaluated the economics of seed yam production from minisetts at Umudike, southeastern Nigeria.
The analysis is based on input and output data collected from yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir. cv.
Obioturugo) minisett multiplication plots at Umudike during the 1990/91 cropping season, and the existing market prices in the area.
Results showed that labor inputs of about 218 man-days/ha, or 86.3 man-days plus 9.4 tractor hours/t of seed yams are required.
The estimated gross margin per hectare and net income per ha are – 4 472.16 Naira and – 5 120.16 Naira, respectively.
This suggests that the production is unprofitable.
However, a break-even analysis showed that a break-even yield level of 2 t/ha exists at an average price of 3 700 Naira/t.
These findings have implications for the management of a commercial seed yam production venture.
For profitable production, the entrepreneur should minimize the use of resource inputs and thus lower production costs, and/or maximize yields, thereby, increasing revenue.

Symposium on Tropical Root Crops in a Developping Economy

N.O.A. Ezeh

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1994.380.59