COSTS AND RETURNS ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIAL OKRA PRODUCTION IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study analyzed the okra production among commercial farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to randomly sampled okra farmers in the city, from four area councils namely: Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari and Abuja Municipal Council. The data collected from two hundred and twenty-one (221) farmers were analysed using descriptive statistics, commercialization level and profit analysis. The result shows that the average age of farmers was 57 years, majority were educated and experienced farmers. Commercialization index indicates that the household commercialization of okra production was 51.22%, a confirmation that they were oriented towards commercialization. The profit analysis showed that commercial okra production is profitable with an average of N316, 728 per hectare. The major problems faced by farmers were inadequate capital to expand production, inadequate storage facilities and bad roads. Farmers need to be educated on new techniques in the storage of okra.