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Scholars Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences | Volume-9 | Issue-11
Evaluation and Demonstration of Irrigation Regime on Cotton: Evidence from Small Plot Adaptive Research in Katsina State, Nigeria
Abba Yakubu Abdullah, Tijjani Abu Rimi, Mohammed Saidu Mohammed
Published: Nov. 20, 2022 | 152 161
DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2022.v09i11.007
Pages: 196-203
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Abstract
Cotton production output in Nigeria, is far below on-station potential yields owing to poor seeds, adulterated fertilizers, unimproved cultural practices, and soil infertility. Small plot adaptive demonstration technology transfer mechanisms under irrigated conditions were organized in 2021, in collaborations with the Institute for Agricultural Research. The recommended packages disseminated were the use of improved varieties SAMCOT 9, SAMCOT 11 and SAMCOT 13, herbicide application, land preparation, watering, planting, gap filling, weeding, fertilizer application, pest control, harvesting and processing. The result reveled that all the participants were male, and more than two-third were in productive age. Also, majority had adequate household size and adequate farming experiences. However, low literacy constitutes the larger majority. The results of the demonstration revealed that farmers obtained a yield of (1,401.3kg), less than on-station potential yield (1,600kg to 2000kg). Further result on cost and return revealed that farmers’ production expenses rose to N410, 700:00, while the revenue generated is N420, 800:00, having a net profit of N9, 690:00. Additionally, aphid infestation and late demonstrations were ranked as the top amongst the production constraints; others were irrigation water drying in the dam, livestock encroachment, climatic stress, and inconsistence seed germination. Conclusively, improved farm technology has great potential in enhancing the cotton productivity and profitability through small plot adaptive demonstration trials in Batagarawa, Mai’aduwa, Dutsinma, Kafur, Malumfashi and Faskari Local Government Areas of Katsina State, Nigeria. It is recommended that farmers’ literacy level need to be enhanced via adult literacy initiatives and other production constraints require utmost solutions.