ASSESSEMENT OF THE ECONOMIC RETURNS OF GREEN AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS) PRODUCTION IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the cost, returns and profitability of Green Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) vegetable production within four local government areas of Ekiti State which were Ikole, Oye, Ikere and Ado LGAs. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted for this research. A total of 80 respondents were selected. The study employed analytical techniques such as descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and regression analysis. The result revealed that the age range of 30 to 39 years had the highest percentage with 32.5% while males were 63.7% and 68.8% were married. Household size of 6 to 10 persons had the highest percentage with 35% while majority had tertiary qualifications with 82.5%, implying a high level of education and also 42.5% had 1 to 5 years of farming experience. Profitability analysis revealed that total revenue generated by the respondents was ₦72,135,000 per hectare and gross margin value of ₦54,688,700, with net margin of ₦45,345,000. The return on investment was ₦3.13 indicating that for every one naira spent, ₦3.13 will be realized as revenue and hence being profitable. Regression result indicated that the model accounted for 85.0% variability in vegetable production in the study area. Constraints faced by vegetable farmers were climate change, lack of storage facilities, pest and diseases, fluctuation in prices and lack of credit or access to finance and if the positive regression variables were maintained and the constraints combated green amaranth production in the study area will be highly profitable.