AGRONOMIC EVALUATION OF MAIZE VARIETIES FOR YIELD AND INCOME GENERATION AMONG FARMERS IN LAPAI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted in Lapai, Niger State, North central Nigeria to determine the performance and profitability of Local and improved Striga tolerant (SAMMAZ 17) maize varieties in cooperative farmers field. Demonstration plots were cited in 3 cooperative farms where the improved variety and a local variety were planted. All agronomic practices were carried out uniformly and simultaneously on the plots. In addition structured questionnaire were administered on 20 members each of the cooperative societies selected using simple random sampling technique to solicit information on the performance of the maize varieties on their farms. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers. t - test analysis was used to compare the performance of maize varieties in terms of growth parameters, yield and yield components, while Gross margin analysis was used to compare the profitability of maize varieties. The results revealed that maize farmers were male, small-scaled in operations. The local maize variety supported high Striga infestation with low yield of 1.7 t/ha, while SAMMAZ 17 yield was 4.4 t/ha under less Striga infestation. The Gross margin for the production of SAMMAZ 17 maize variety was N 254,127.40, while Gross margin for the production of farmers maize variety was N90, 133.57. Based on these findings, SAMMAZ 16 is profitable and it is therefore recommended for planting in Striga farm land in the study area.