PROFITABILITY OF SOYA BEANS PRODUCTION IN MUBI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the profitability of soya bean production in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to  analyze the costs and returns to soya bean production and identify the major constraints to soya bean production in the study area. A multi stage random sampling techniques was used to select 80 respondents in the study area who were noted for soya beans production. Primary data were collected from the respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. The results showed that Soya bean production was found to be profitable as a gross margin of N109894.5/ha was achieved. Major constraints encountered by the farmers were variability in the amount of rainfall which causes spoilage and retard growth, lack of extension services, inadequate farm credit, shortage of inputs, access to land for cultivation and activities of cattle rearers. It was therefore recommended that inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals which were the major inputs that increase the output of soya bean production in the study area should be made available on time, in right amounts and at affordable prices to the farmer’s stakeholders in agriculture. Proper orientation and knowledge should be given to people willing to go into the cultivation of soya beans on the appropriate time of planting. Extension services should also be rendered effectively, farmers should be encouraged to join existing associations and participate fully in their activities.