PROFITABILITY AND PRODUCTION FUNCTION OF SMALL SCALE IRRIGATED TOMATO PRODUCTION IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated profitability and production function of irrigated tomato production among small scale farmers in Niger State. Data used for the study were obtained using structured questionnaires administered to 100 randomly selected irrigated tomato farmers from Kontagora and Wushishi Local Government Areas of the state. Descriptive statistics, gross margin, production function analysis and resource-use efficiencies were used for analysis of the data obtained. The result showed that irrigated tomato production is profitable in the area with net farm income of N85306.92 per hectare. Estimated multiple regression analysis revealed that semi-log regression chosen as the lead equation. The R2 value was 0.757. Farm size (X1), quantity of seed (X4) and agrochemical (X5) are the significant factors influencing output level of irrigated tomato at 1 % level of probability. Labour is also a significant factor at 5 % level of probability. Estimated efficiency-ratio (r) showed that the resources were not efficiently utilized. Estimated elasticity of factor inputs and return to scale showed that there is increasing return to scale. It was therefore recommended that loans and credit facilities should be provided for irrigated tomato farmers in the area. Similarly, dams should be constructed and irrigation equipments be provided for the farmers in the area to supply water for irrigation of farmland. Also, extension agents should be provided to disseminate research findings to irrigated tomato farmers on modern technology