Analysis of the improved papaya enterprise in Bbaale sub county, Kayunga district

Abstract

Papaya is an important fruit for Vitamin A. Farmers grow both improved and local papaya varieties. However, information on profitability analysis of the two enterprises is insufficient. This study was conducted to investigate farmers and analyze the improved papaya enterprise profitability performance in Bbaale Sub-county, Kayunga district. A total of 55 respondents (34 males and 21 female) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that growing improved papaya (13.5%), planting and weeding (13.2%), purchase of seeds and seedlings (12.9%) were some of the major agronomic activities carried out. Growing improved papaya (70.9%)) was mainly carried out by most respondents. The Chi-square test of association indicated that this response was significantly related to respondent’s age (χ2 = 11.362; P < 0.01) and land owned (χ2 = 11.362; 0.05 < P < 0.1). The gross margin ratio of growing improved papaya (135.8%) was higher than that of local papaya (121.9%). The benefit: cost ratio of growing improved papaya (2.36) was higher than that of local papaya (2.22). There was a significant difference (P = 0.0382) in the profitability of farmers growing local papaya and farmers growing improved papaya. The papaya enterprise was thus profitable. As a recommendation, more farmers could engage in papaya production especially the improved varieties since it is a more profitable enterprise