Economic Evaluation of the Planting Period and Retting Techniques in the Production of Quality Kenaf Fibre

The quality and quantity of fibre produced in terms of fibre length, tensile strength and fineness could be determined by the planting period and good retting techniques in kenaf. This study was carried out to determine the appropriate time of planting and examined the different retting techniques for enhanced quality fibre for value addition. Five varieties of Kenaf (Cuba108, Ifeken-DI-400, Ifeken100, Ifeken-400 and Tianung-2) were planted at 50cm x 20cm monthly from June to August (June 10, July 10 and August 10) in 5 locations with their coordinates; Ibadan (Transitional-Rain forest, Lat.7.23′N;Long.3.55′); Ilora (Derived savannah, Lat.8.54′N;Long4.54′E); Ikenne (High Rain forest, Lat.6.92′N;Long.9.46′N); Orin Ekiti (Rain forest, Lat.7.49′N;Long.5.14′E) and Kishi (Southern Guinea Savannah, Lat.9.46′N; Long.3.52′E). Gross Margin (GM) analysis was used to determine the profitability and suitability of the different planting periods. The results show that total variable cost (TVC) in Orin Ekiti for each planting time was the highest (₦705,650:00). The least TVC (₦250,000) was from August plantings in Ikenne. The GM value for a sum of ₦701,650 and ₦1,736,400 were obtained from Kishi and Ilora respectively while ₦1,441.750, ₦184,750, ₦1,224,950 were obtained for the months of June plantings in Orin-Ekiti, Ikenne and Ibadan respectively. July and August plantings recorded low GM. The GM value of June planting was significantly higher in all the locations. The results of the retting techniques revealed that chemical retting had a greater efficiency in the processing of fibre while tank retting is technically supported due to its potability and availability.