TIMBOU-AFRICAN ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (TIJARBT)
VOL. 10 (1) AUGUST, 2022 EDITION. ISSN: 3438-2901
Published by:
TIMBOU-AFRICAN ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS,
Centre for African Development Studies, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, FCT-Nigeria.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF RICE PRODUCTION AMONG AGRICULTURAL CREDIT USERS AND NON-USERS IN ADP ZONE I, TARABA STATE
1BASHIR, M.B; 2JERRY, C.N; 3SABO, E.; 4NUHU, F. AND 5LUQMAN M.M
1National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. 2United Bank for Africa PLC No. 25, Hammaruwa Way, Jalingo, Taraba State. 3,4,5Department of Agriculture Economics and Extension Taraba State University, Jalingo.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on economic analysis of rice production among agricultural credit users and non-users in ADP Zone I, Taraba State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of respondents and determined the costs and returns of credit users and non-users on rice production in the study area. Structured questionnaire were used to collect primary data from Two Hundred and Thirteen (213) respondents that either used or do not used credit. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques. The result showed that majority (47.8% and 47.0%) credit users and non-users were within the age bracket of 31 -40 years. Findings also showed that majority of the respondents representing 69.0% of credit users and 64% credit non users were male; 68.1% and 59.0% were married. The result further showed that the gross income realized by credit users and non-users was ₦393,346.7 and ₦290,883.9 while the net farm income was ₦175,062.4 and ₦77,586.5 respectively. The return on naira invested of the credit users and non-users was ₦0.83 and ₦0.48 respectively. It is recommended that more attention should be given to the issue of provision and disbursement of agricultural loans and farmers should be encouraged to participate in cooperatives and associations within their community so as to have more access to credit.
Keyword: Economic Analysis, Agricultural Credit Users/Non-Users, Rice Farmers, ADP Zone I, Taraba State.
EFFECT OF LITTER SIZES ON PRE-WEANING GROWTH TRAITS OF PURE-BRED RABBITS IN THE DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE
1POPOOLA, ABIMBOLA DEBORAH; 2ADEDEJI, TOSIN ADEMOLA; 3IFANEGAN OLUWADAMILARE DAVID; & 4OLAOGUN YETUNDE KHADIJAT
1,2Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agircultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology 3,4Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agircultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the effect of litter sizes on pre-weaning traits of pure-bred rabbits in the derived savanna zone. Total of 25 rabbits were used which comprises of Chinchilla (2 buck and 3 does) and Cinnamon (2 buck and 3 does). The rabbits used are eight months and the experiment lasted for fifteen weeks. Data was collected on litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, body weight, nose to shoulder length, breast girth, tail length and height at wither. Data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS (2003) software. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) effect of litter size on body weight and other body parameters measured. Conclusively, the number of kits in litters affects their body weight and other linear body measurements.
KEYWORDS: Litter size, Pre-warning traits, Pure-bred Rabbits
TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCY IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT – AN OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA CONTEXT
1MOHAMMED, U.; 1UMARU, A.; & 2AHMAD, B.S.
1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. 2National Cereals Research Institute Baddegi, Niger State.
ABSTRACT
Technological tools come with high computing power, a variety of sensors and customization abilities that allow creation of a range of practical applications (apps) in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. These features, coupled with the mobility and accessibility in terms of cost that digital technologies provide, make them a potential factors for small and marginal farmers in developing countries, particularly for these farmers’ information needs. Technological tools can also make accessing government benefits, land records and crop survey requirements etc. more convenient for farmers. This article incorporates the how technological tools can be used in different ways, right from production, processing and planning to eventual sale of crop by farmers.
Keywords– Technological competency, Technological tool, agriculture, ICTs and Mobile smartphones.
EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING AND WEED CONTROL TREATMENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) IN DERIVED SAVANNA, NIGERIA
OSADEBE, VIVIAN OGECHI; OBI, OLUCHUKWU JUSTINA; DAUDA, NATHANIEL; AND UZOIGWE, A. DONALD
Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Field study was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka from May to July 2016 to investigate the growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in response to plant spacing and weed control treatments. Three plants spacing (60 cm x 45 cm, 60 cm x 30 cm and 60 cm x 60 cm) and weed control treatments (Dry grass mulch, Black polyethylene mulch, Sawdust mulch), and Hoe weeding at 4 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP) and weed free plots were used as control. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement in randomized complete block Design with three replications. It consisted of eleven (11) treatment combinations. The mulching materials were applied before sowing the seeds. A split application of NPK 15: 15: 15 was done at 2 and 6 WAP at the rate of 200 kg/ha by side placement. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the data was carried out using (Genstat 12.1 Discovery Edition). Significant differences between means were estimated by the least significant difference at 5% level of significant. Result revealed that plant spacing were not significant in most of the parameters assessed. Plots mulched with black polyethylene mulch significantly (p < 0.05) performed better than other weed control treatments in terms of lower number of weeds (0.92/0.5m2) lower weed biomass (2.67g/0.5m2), higher crop pod yields (0.39 tons/ha) and higher plant height (63.33cm). plant spacing of 60 x 30cm and mulching with black polyethylene within the confines of the study was therefore recommended for pod yield production of okra.
Keywords: Okra, growth, weed biomass, pod yield, weed control treatments.
EX-SITU RHIZODEGRADATION AND PHYTOSTABILISATION OF EXTENDED DIESEL RANGE ORGANICS (C29 – C40) AND CHROMIUM SOIL POLLUTION USING NIGERIAN NATIVE CYPERUS ODORATUS
1,2C FAWOLE, 1D. A. DASHAK, 1S. J. SALAMI
1Department of Chemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria. 2 National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
A surrogated fraction of the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) of soil that was impacted with petroleum wastewater gave an elevated extended diesel range organics (EDRO) (C29 – C40) value of 496.30 ± 0.0 kg/mg. Chromium (Cr) concentration of the raw soil sample was mg/kg and 21.25 ± 0.02 mg/kg. Rhizodegradation and phytostabilisation of petroleum polluted soil by the Nigerian native Cyperus odoratus, indicated reduced EDRO value of 160.55 ± 0.00 mg/kg with 67.65% removal efficiency while Cr gave 11.80 ± 0.17 mg/kg with 44.47% removal efficiency at week 5. The EDRO values were identified and quantified by Gas chromatograph with Mass spectrometric detection (GC/MSD) in accordance with standard analytical method of United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) 8015C and manufacturer’s operational specifications of Agilent Technologies 7890A. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific 210VGP was employed for Cr determination while the obtained values were compared with international certified reference data from relevant regulatory agencies.
Keywords: Soil, Chromium (Cr), Extended Diesel Range Organics (EDROs), Cyperus odoratus.
ANALYSIS OF COSTS AND RETURNS FROM TREE CROPS PLANTING IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
MUHAMMAD, A.M 1, ALHASSAN, Y.J, 2 ALEDARE, S. J3 SABO, A.Y, 1 CHARI, A4 AND YUSUF, A.B5
1Department of Agricultural Economics anz Extension, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria. 2Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. 3Department of Agricultural Education College of Education (Technical) Kabba. 4Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria. 5Department of Economics, Kebbi State College of Basic and Advanced Studies, Yelwa Yauri.
ABSTRACT
This article analyzed the Costs and Returns on Tree Crops Planting in Tropical Environment. Trees Crops planting offer financial and social returns over the years and it is a lucrative long-term investment in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Despite the substantial gain on investment in tree planting, only few people are still involved in the business. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Net Present Value (NPV) were calculated to determine the financial viability of tree crop planting. The study showed that tree crop planting is a profitable business as shown by positive NPV of ₦2,187,822.0 and N2, 782,214.97 for Gmelina aborea and Moringa oleifera plantations respectively, after 10-years of maturation and harvesting at 14 % discount rate with a B/C Ratio of 1.97 and 1.6 respectively. Also, NPV of N1, 575,487.10 for a 5-year small scale private nursery establishment with a B/C Ratio of 2.79 at a 14% discount rate also confirm that the investment on nursery establishment is highly profitable. It is recommended that with adequate support and incentives, farmers can take advantage of these opportunities and invest in nursery enterprise and tree crop sub-sector of the economy.
Keywords: Analysis, Costs and Returns, Tree Crops Planting, Tropical Environment
ASSESSMENT OF PH, PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND IN-VITRO GAS PRODUCTION ON SWEET POTATO VINE SILAGE TREATED WITH ADDITIVES
KUTTU JULIUS MUSA; ABDULWAHAB ISMAIL HARBAU; HUSSAINI USMAN; RAHILA ISYAKU; NIMAT ADISA; AND LOOKMAN MAIGARI
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Secondary Education (Vocational), Federal College of Education (Tech) Bichi, Kano State
ABSTRACT
This study looks at the assessment of pH, proximate composition and in-vitro gas production on sweet potato vine silage (SPVS) treated with additives at three weeks. Two varieties of sweet potato vines silage (SPVS) were made with no additive as control T1, with molasses T2, with urea T3 and with yeast T4. The data collected was analyzed using chat in Microsoft Excel office Software for pH. ANOVA was used to analyze proximate composition and in vitro gas production using SPSS version 20, where significant differences occurred, the means was separated using general linear model. The results showed that though both King J and Dan china varieties had acidic pH values, King J had a better silage compared to Dan china variety of SPVS on control, molasses, urea and yeast with the following pH values; 5.3, 4.8, 6.1 and 5.6 on control, molasses, urea and yeast for King J variety, while Dan china Variety had 5.6, 4.9, 6.4 and 6.4 on control, molasses, urea and yeast. On additives, molasses produced the best silage for both varieties with pH values 4.8 and 4.9 for King J and Dan china varieties respectively. On proximate composition, results showed that Ash, OM, CF, EE, NFE, ADF, DMI, DDM and RFV (%) were significantly different (P˂0.05) on the King J and Dan china varieties of SPVS on all additives. The results for in vitro gas production showed that King J and Dan china varieties were significantly different (P˂0.05) at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21 and 24hrs except 15hrs on all the additives. In conclusion, this study confirmed that the addition of molasses, urea, and yeast improved silage quality of two varieties of sweet potato vines silage including the control, with molasses as superior additive for both varieties in terms of silage, proximate composition and in vitro gas production. Molasses, urea and yeast are said to be recommended as additives in silage making using sweet potato vines.
Keywords: pH, Proximate Composition, In Vitro, Silage and Additive.
EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY FOR FARM PRODUCTIVITY IN OSHIMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE
1ROLAND OSAGIE OMOREGBEE, 2ONWUKA, HILLARY KANYINEBI, 3AREGBE TAOHEED. A. AND 4CHUKWUKELU KINGSLEY U.
1National Productivity Centre Kogi State Office 2Department Of Agricultural Economics And Extension, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State 3National Productivity Centre Calabar, Cross River State.
ABSTRACT
The study examined the effectiveness of agricultural extension service delivery for farm productivity in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State with three research questions. Four communities were selected purposively, namely Akwukwu–Igbo, Ibusa, Illah, and Okpanam for this study. 30 crop farmers/households were selected using Random sampling technique from each of the communities to give a total sample size of 120. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was administered to the farmers to collect the relevant data on extension service providers’ effectiveness in farm productivity and farmers’ access to the services of extension providers for farm productivity and extension service-related constraints of crop farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean, percentage, frequency, and standard deviation. A mean of 2.5 and above indicated the most effective opinion while a mean less than 2.5 indicated rejection. The finding reveals that extension workers are not effective in providing information to the farmers, most farmers do not often access information on their farm activities from the extension workers. Poor teaching sessions by extension workers, insufficient training materials, insufficient field allowance, slow response to identified problems, weak continuity of projects by new staff, and inadequate current farm technology broadcasting, to mention but a few are extension service-related constraints. It was recommended that more agricultural extension workers should be employed by the government to have sufficient agricultural extension services, government and non-governmental (NGOs) should provide extension support and enabling environment for rural farmers to thrive and extension workers should be well paid and given other allowances to encourage them.
MICROBIAL POPULATION OF GROWING RABBITS (Oryctolagus cuniculus) FED CORN COB-BASED DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH FEED ADDITIVES
1ADEOSUN, T. A., 2GANIYU, A. O., 3AHMED, M. A., 4FATAI, R. B., 5OLALERU, I. F. AND 6ABU, O. A.
1&2Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Department of Agricultural Education, Kano State, Nigeria. 3Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Department of Agricultural Education, Delta State, Nigeria. 4Federal College of Education, Kano, Department of Agricultural Education, Kano State, Nigeria. 5Farming System Research Programme, National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.6University of Ibadan, Animal Science Department, Oyo State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
A ten-week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effects of corn cob-based diet supplemented with feed additives on faecal and caecal microbial load of growing rabbits. Forty eight growing rabbit bucks of mixed breeds (New Zealand White x Chinchilla), weighing 642.01±4.99g were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments at three replicates of four rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 ((Basal, corn cob-based diet with no additive), diet 2 [Basal diet + Probiotic (Bactofort® at 500g/ton)], diet 3 {Basal diet + Exogenous Enzyme (Cellulase at 500g/ton)} and diet 4 {Basal diet + Symbiotic (Bactofort® at 500g/ton + Cellulase at 500g/ton)}. Data were collected on the microbial population in both faecal and caecal samples. There was no significant difference in total bacterial count across the treatments in faecal and caecal samples. Ruminicoccus spp count in both faecal and caecal samples of rabbits offered supplemented diets followed similar pattern by being higher (P<0.05) than control. While E. coli count in the faecal samples were statistically similar (P>0.05) across the treatments, it was found higher (P<0.05) in control compared to the treatments fed fortified diets in the caecal contents. Clostridium spp. count equally followed similar pattern with the count in both faecal and caecal samples significantly higher (P<0.05) in the control compared to other treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of corn cob-based diets with feed additives (Bactofort and Cellulase) either singly or combined led to enhanced proliferation of beneficial bacteria and suppression of pathogenic ones in growing rabbits.
Keywords: Microbial population, Corn cob, Feed additives, Supplementation, Growing rabbits
EFFECTS OF COMPOSTED ORGANIC MANURE AND NPK FERTILIZER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) AND GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea) INTERCROP IN ASABA, DELTA STATE
1ANENE-OKEAKWA, J. E. (Ph.D); 2CHUKWUKELU, I.S.; AND 3DIABUAH, S. C.
1Depatement of Home Economics Education, Agricultural Education Federal College pf Education (Technical), Asaba Nigeria. 2&3Department of Agricultural Education Federal College pf Education (Technical), Asaba Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Field experiments on effects of composted organic manure and NPK fertilizer on growth and grain yield of maize and groundnut intercrop in Asaba was conducted on the demonstration farm of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba during the 2022 cropping seasons. The objective of the study is to determine the response of growth characters and grain yield of maize and groundnut in sole and intercrop to composted organic manure and NPK fertilizer. A 4 x 3 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used. The factors that were studied are nutrient sources and cropping system. The four nutrient sources applied were 0 control, 100% COM, 100% NPK, 50%COM+50% while cropping system used were sole maize, sole groundnut and maize/groundnut intercrop. 100% composted organic manure (COM) was applied at the rate of 2t/ha (that is. 2kg/plot) while 100% NPK will 300kg/ha (i.e.300g/plot). The following data were collected plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, grain yield. Data collected were analyzed using Genstat (3) discovery edition package for statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).Separation of treatment means was carried out using Fisher’s Least significant Difference (F – LSD).The results shows that all the growth parameters measured (plant height, number of leaf and leaf area) and yield increased with the increased application of composted organic manure COM.The researchers recommended that farmers should apply 50%COM and 50%NPK for improved yield.
Keyword: Effect, composted, organic, manure, fertilizer and intercrop.
AN UPDATE ON NEMATODE ATTACKING YAM (DIOSCOREA SPECIES) PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA.
*GABRIEL O, OLAIFA; AND **OJO K, ADEKUNLE
*Bioresource Development Centre, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. **Department of Crop Production and Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Nematodes are important pathogens that are responsible for yield reduction and the quality of many crop plants. Yams as source of carbohydrates play a significant role in the diet of many people in West Africa. Nigeria is one of the leading yams producing country in the world where various nematodes have been reported, causing decrease in yam production and storability. This current study was carried out to give update information on types, population and frequency of occurrence on nematodes associated with production of yam (Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata) in five Local Government Areas of Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states. Extraction of nematodes was carried out from soil samples taken randomly from yam farms in each state in May and October, 2017 using pie pan modification of Baerman funnel methods while Lucid Key Bell was used for nematodes identification up to generic level. Frequencies of occurrence and population density of nematode were calculated with standard formula. Ten plant-parasitic nematode genera: Scutellonema spp., Pratylenchus spp., Meloidogyne spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Rotylenchus spp., Aphelenchus spp., Trichodorus spp., Radopholus spp., Xiphinema spp. and Longidorus spp. were found associated with the two yam species during the period of study. The most widely distributed and abundant species were Scutellonema spp. Pratylenchus spp. and Meloidogyne spp.
Keywords: Yam (Dioscorea spp.), nematodes, types, frequency,
FARM CREDIT AND IMPACT ON POULTRY EGG PRODUCTION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
AJAKAIYE OLATUNBOSUN BOLASHADE; IYAJI JOSHUA
Department of Agricultural Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe
ABSTRACT
Farm credit and it’s impact on the Productivity of poultry egg enterprises was investigated in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select 294 poultry egg enterprises from four Local Government Areas namely: Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South and Kaduna North. Data for the study were collected with well structured questionnaire and oral interview. Stages one and two were conducted purposively and randomly. The data collected was analysed with descriptive statistics and Multinomial Logit Model using the Cobb-Douglass Stochastic Frontier production function (SFA) regression. The study results showed that egg enterprise characteristics such as education level, gender, farm capacity, interest rate charged, membership of poultry farmers association, outstanding loan and egg production training acquired by farmers were the key factors which influenced farmers credit demand from formal and informal financial institutions. Age of farmers, credit access, extension services, distance from farm to credit institutions, veterinary services and water access were the significant factors which affected poultry egg production in the study area. The results also showed that institutional factors such as credit access and credit status were found to be significant at 1% and 5% levels for informal and combined (informal and formal) credit market respectively. The interest rate on credit was negatively related to credit demand in all the credit markets. The study concluded that credit access had significant influence on the productivity of egg enterprise with a 0.62 mean efficiency. A public-private partnership with credit institutions aimed at reducing interest rate during policy formulation was recommended.
Keywords: Farm credit, Poultry egg enterprise, Multinomial Logit Model, Cobb-Douglass Production Function, Stochastic Frontier Approach, Kaduna.
EFFECT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI (AMF) ON ROOT AND SHOOT FRESH WEIGHT OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP) VARIETIES GROWN ON ALECTRA VOGELII INOCULATED SOIL
1MAKANJUOLA, D. O. 2ALONGE, S.O. 3ZARAFI, A.B. 4ADEOSUN, J.O. AND 2TANIMU, Y.
1Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna. 2Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 3Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 4National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
ABSTRACT
This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of Glomus deserticola on the root and shoot fresh weight of four cowpea varieties on Alectra vogelii inoculated soil. The four cowpea varieties used were: SAMPEA 7, IFE 82-12, IT97K-499-35 and TVX 3236. The sterilized sandy-loamy soil used for this experiment consisted of mixture of top soil and sand in ratio 1:1 (v/v). Glomus deserticola was applied in five rates: the control without Alectra, control with Alectra, 10, 20 and 30 g/pot. A constant quantity of Alectra was maintained (3.3 g). The treatments were arranged in complete randomized design. The cowpea plants were sampled for root and shoot fresh weight at 5, 7 and 9 weeks after planting (WAP). The Glomus deserticola treatments at different rates significantly increased cowpea root and shoot fresh weights compared with the two control treatments. Glomus deserticola treatment at 30 g/pot resulted in the highest root and shoot fresh weight of the cowpea varieties. Among the cowpea varieties, SAMPEA 7 had higher values than the other cowpea varieties at 9 WAP. In conclusion, Glomus deserticola treatments significantly increased root and shoot fresh weight of the four cowpea varieties on Alectra inoculated soil and can be recommended as a biological control agent in Alectra vogelii infested fields.
Keywords: Glomus deserticola, Alectra vogelii, Cowpea Varieties, Root and Shoot fresh weights