Estimating the Profitability Analysis and Problems of Small-Scale Potato Production in Some Selected LGAs In Plateau State

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate costs and returns from production and examined
profitability and problems of small-scale potato production in Plateau state. Research on cost and
returns analysis can provide valuable insights into the factors affecting the profitability of potato
farming in Nigeria. Policymakers can use this information to design effective policies and
interventions to support the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of potato farmers. A
four-stage random sampling technique was employed to obtain primary data from 120 respondents
with a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics
such as mean, frequency count, percentages, gross margin, and multiple regression analysis. The
study revealed that small-scale potato production in the area was profitable as the estimation of
cost and profitability of the farmers in the area under study confirmed that with a NFI of N
117,015.02 per hectare and labor constitute 62.73 % of the total cost. Farmers in the study area
face constraints such as poor/inadequate storage facilities, high post-harvest losses, high costs of
inputs etc. The study recommends that proper storage measures/facilities should be made available
to these small- scale farmers at affordable prices, credit facilities should be given to these smallscale potato producers in the area to increase output, and policy interventions to protect local
producers should be put in place.