Adoption and profitability of upland rice production in Busakira Sub-County Mayuge District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the level of adoption and profitability of upland rice production, Busakira sub-county Mayuge district. The study was based on level of adoption and profitability of upland rice production and it looks at; (i). To determine the socio-economic characteristics of both adopters and non-adopters of upland rice. (ii). To identify major constraints /challenges affecting upland rice adoption. (iii). To determine the profitability of upland rice production. (iv). To determine the adoption level and factors that influence adoption of upland rice by farmers. This was a descriptive study. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires from 60 respondents which involved both adopters and non-adopters. Secondary data were got through publications, journals and text books. Data were analyzed using SPSS (ver16). Probit model, frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, average gross margin and net profit were used to achieve the objectives. From the study, the age distribution shows that majority of the adopters fall in category of active age 31-35 years (37.5%) and pointed out that majority of the adopters were men as compared to women do to difference in access and control to productive resources. The results showed that ownership of land, Level of education and Marital status were the key factors that more likely influenced farmers’ decision to adopt upland rice production at 5% and 10% respectively. The study revealed reasons for adoption of upland rice which included; (i). Easier to manage, (ii). Availability of ready market, (iii). Expected high yields. The most prominent ones included; pest and disease tolerance, easier to manage and Availability of ready market. On the other hand, the study also revealed the reasons for non-adoption of upland rice such as Expensive upland seeds, limited land and limited capital to purchase inputs among others. The study also revealed that the average quantity of rice is 861 per acre, average price for rice is 1843 per kilogram, average total cost of upland rice production is 614211 per acre and the total average gross margin calculated 1088700 per acre. However, the study also revealed the major problems affecting upland rice production as Pests and diseases, High cost of inputs, Birds and rats, Drought, Unavailability of rice among others. The study recommends that the government should address constraints in upland rice production, marketing and policies that would promote wider upland rice use in the agro-based industry that would stimulate demand for rice hence boosting overall upland rice production and adoption of high yielding improving production.