PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF RICE PRODUCTION USING MANUAL AND MECHANIZED FARMING METHODS IN EWEKORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The increasing cost of production and low supply of rice to feed the Nigerian teeming population is a cause for concern. Hence this study examines the profitability of rice production using manual and mechanized farming methods in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State. A comparative analysis was conducted to determine the differences in output levels and profitability between the two farming practices using one hundred and thirty-two (132) manually and mechanically operated rice farmers. Snowballing technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Data were gathered with the aids of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage, means and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as independent t-test. .  The findings reveal that mechanized rice farming recorded an average output of 6,133.41 kg/ha, significantly higher than the 1,185.03 kg/ha average output in manual farming. Mechanized farming also demonstrated a greater Net Return on Investment (NROI) of 5.54%, compared to 4.45% for manual farming. An independent t-test further confirmed a statistically significant difference in profitability between the two methods, with mechanized farming proving to be more profitable (t = 29.598, p < 0.01). The study concludes that mechanization enhances productivity, reduces labor costs, and improves resource management, contributing to higher profitability. It recommends promoting mechanization through increased access to affordable machinery, training programs for farmers, and improved infrastructure.