ABSTRACT

This study is based on the estimation of costs and returns of yam production in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. A random sampling technique was conducted to sample a total of 60 yam farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of I.bia State using well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using tables, percentages, frequency distribution, means and regression analysis. Profit margin analysis was computed per household with a net revenue N 16,242.399. This shows that yam production is profitable in Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State. A number of factors were found to militate against yam production in the study area. The major constraints of yam production in the study area are cost of labour, cost of planting and staking materials, cost of farm assets, storage problem and pest and diseases. It was recommended that loans should be given to farmers to purchase modern agricultural machines and implements to enhance labour and increase total yield. 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 yam production in the study area.