PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) PRODUCTION UNDER ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS APPLICATIONS IN DOMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

 The study assessed productivity levels of sesame farms under organic and inorganic fertilizers applications in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Multi-stage random sampling was used in selecting 96 sesame farmers; made up of 48 organic and 48 inorganic fertilizers users. Data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using Total Factor Productivity Analysis, OLS Regression Analysis and Gross Margin Analysis.  Results show that sesame farmers who applied inorganic fertilizer earned higher returns (41%) over farmers under organic fertilizer. The productivity level of sesame farms under inorganic fertilizer application was higher (27%) over sesame farm under organic fertilizer. Farm size, labour, education and farming experience as well as inorganic fertilizer were factors influencing productivity level of the two enterprises. Poor road network, poor access to credit facility, poor extension service and high cost of inorganic fertilizer were major constraints to sesame production. In order to reduce the gap of income earn and productivity level between the two enterprises, organic fertilizer users should be encouraged to apply, and educated on, the recommended quantity of organic fertilizer require per hectare through effective extension service.