Econometrics analysis of dry-season rice (Oryza sativa l.) production in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the econometrics of dry-season rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in Taraba State, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined the costs and returns, estimated production efficiencies, and identified the major constraints affecting dry-season rice production. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 303 dry-season rice farmers from 19 villages across five Local Government Areas. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production and cost frontier models. The results showed that dry-season rice production was profitable, with an average total production cost of ₦1,401,446.18/ha, average total revenue of ₦2,423,136.89/ha, gross margin of ₦1,054,391.03/ha, and net farm income of ₦1,021,690.71/ha. Seed (β = 0.1482), labour (β = 0.2915), fertiliser (β = 0.1764), agrochemicals (β = 0.0827), and fuel for irrigation pumping (β = 0.0978) significantly increased rice output (p < 0.05). Farming experience (δ = -0.0187), extension visits (δ = -0.0865) and education (δ = -0.0279) significantly reduced technical inefficiency, whereas age (δ = 0.0134) increased inefficiency. Similarly, land, fertiliser, labour, seed and irrigation fuel significantly increased production cost, while farming experience (δ = -0.0215), extension visits (δ = -0.0948) and access to credit (δ = -0.1286) reduced economic inefficiency. Mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies were 0.8468, 0.8519 and 0.7214, respectively. The major constraints were the high cost of irrigation fuel (mean = 2.93), fertiliser (2.88), inadequate irrigation facilities (2.81), high cost of agrochemicals (2.76), and pest and disease infestation (2.71). The study recommends subsidising irrigation fuel and fertiliser, expanding irrigation infrastructure, strengthening extension services, and improving farmers' access to affordable agricultural credit.