New Agricultural Development Agenda : Focus on Adoption of Storage Interval of Cowpea in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The Study examined the adoption of Storage interval of cowpea in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State. To achieve the study objectives, 70 Cowpea farmers were randomly selected from seven villages. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Findings of the study revealed that 28.57% of the respondents were in active age range of 21-30 years, while majority of the respondents (34. 28%) acquired primary education most of whom were married (81.43 %).The most widely used storage chemical in the area was phostoxin with 62. 86% respondents; this was followed by actellic with 38.57% response. The finding indicated that most respondents did not adhere to the recommended storage intervals for actellic and decis chemicals. Agro – allied retailers ranked first (37.14%) as the major sources of information for cowpea storage chemicals while extension agents ranked least with 7.15% response. Chi – square analyses showed significant relationship at 5% between adoption of storage interval and education level, marital status and farming experience. Based on the findings, the study suggests the need for more farmer education that will increase awareness about the use of chemicals. To enhance adherence to recommended interval, farmers should be encourage to store their cowpea in community stores under the supervision of village extension agents.