ABSTRACT

The study is on cost and return of maize production in Ikeduru, Imo state. A random sample of 140 maize farmer, was chosen from the study area. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using mean frequency distribution percentages and regression analysis. The study shows that farmers in the study area were elderly and literate. Farmers in the study area had large family size with at least 6 numbers and small farm size. The study shows that maize production in the study area was profitable with average net farm income of 2151300.00. Farm size experience, input cost and household size were significant factor that influence output of maize production. Government should put in place birth control measures to help stabilize the household size irrespective of the benefit of large family size to maize production. The strategies that will help farmer improve on the level of their net farm income should be put in place. Conducive environment that promotes investment in maize production should be provided for maize investors. Measures that will reduce input cost should be introduced. Subsidies should be provided for maize farmers on farm inputs so as to improve the level of maize farmers. Land should be made available to farmer, at affordable price so as to encourage maize farmers. It was recommended that loans should be given to farmers to purchase modern agricultural machines and implements to enhance labour and increase total yields. Prices of purchased farm input can be subsidized by government at affordable prices and also farmers can form co-operative societies as this will help reduce incidence of insufficient capital in maize production in the study area.