AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROSPECT AND PROBLEM OF WATERMELON PRODUCTION BALI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

Watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) is a fruit vegetable grown predominantly in the North West Region (NWR) and West Region (WR), both located in the western highland agricultural zones of Bali local government area of Taraba state. This study examined the problem and prospect of water melon production in Bali Local Government area of Taraba state. A structured questionnaire and regular farm visits at daily intervals were done to elucidate knowledge gaps and lessons for improving watermelon production in the study area. A population of 300 farmers were randomly drawn by the researcher as the population of the study. The study showed that the constraints associated with watermelon production were inadequate storage facilities, pest and diseases, high cost of labour, inadequate credit, inadequate extension services, lack of improved seeds, poor market price and flooding. It was recommended that farmers should be assisted to obtain credit facilities by reducing the bottlenecks associated with bank loans, farmers should form themselves into commodity associations so as to benefit from improved packages being offered by the government under the presidential initiative.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

The role of agriculture remains significant in the Nigerian economy despite the strategic importance of the oil sector. It accounts for more than one- third of the total domestic product (GDP) and labour force (FAO, 2013; World Bank, 2013). In an annual report, (CBN, 2014) reported that the real sector of the economy recorded a relatively impressive performance in year 2004 as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.1 percent compared with 5.2 percent in the year 2003 and that agriculture is one of the major sources of the growth. Agriculture witnessed an increase of 6.2 percent growth in year 2004 compared to the 5.6 percent recorded in the year 2003 and the average of 4.6 percent for the period of 2011 to 2014 as the output of staples increased from 99,902 metric tonnes in year 2011 to 121,936.2 metric tonnes in year 2014. Although (Eme, 2014) described Nigeria as a food insecure country, the food problem which started in the mid-1960 has continued to deepen several decades after independence (Ime, 2012). The nation‟s agricultural production is still largely in the hands of the small-scale farmers with small holdings ranging from 0.05 to 3.0 hectares of land area, low capitalization and low yield per hectare (Ogundari and Ojo, 2007). Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Thunb is a vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which is made up of about 118 genera and over 825 species J.H (2012). It originates from Africa and is widely cultivated throughout the tropics, sub-tropics and arid regions of the world Schippers R.R (2010). Watermelons are very delicious and a very refreshing source of much needed water and electrolytes especially in the scorching tropical-summer temperatures. Watermelon contains 95% water, phosphorus (9 mg), ascorbic acid (8 mg), vitamins (0.64 g), calcium (8 mg), and carbohydrate (5 mg) per 100 g of edible portion Perkins-Veazie. N (2011) Watermelon is also rich in important substances such as lycopene and citrulline which are associated with improved heart and liver functions. Watermelon is consumed directly as desserts all over the world. In some parts of Africa, the seeds of watermelon are roasted and eaten, and also used to produce oil. Watermelon fruits are 93% water by weight while about 6% consist of small amounts of protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. The major nutritional components of the fruit are carbohydrates, vitamin A, and lycopene, an anti carcinogenic compound found in red flesh melon. Lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as prostate, pancreas and stomach. As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamin C. Water melon also contains large amount of beta caroten. Potassium is also available in it which is believed to help in control of blood pressure and possibly prevention of stroke (De Lannoy, 2001). Water melon is utilized for the production of juices, nectars and fruits cocktails.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

It has been observed that Nigeria has the potential particularly in terms of land and human resources needed to produce enough food for the country (Adeoye, 2012). To be self-sufficient in food production, the problem of promoting the production of the most promising stable food crops in the country has to be tackled (Balogun, et al., 2012). Vegetable production has been playing a vital role in human nutrition, poverty reduction and improving the socio-economic status of the farmers. Vegetables are important items in the daily diet of the Nigerian family. They are cheap and easily available source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre and are low in fat and calories (Abba, 2004). There is little chance of malnutrition occurring where enough vegetables are eaten. Malnutrition reduces the working capacity of farmers and their families. In severe cases, serious physical and mental retardation or even death may occur. As a result of reduced working capacity incomes may decrease and poverty may increase (AVRDC, 1990). Watermelon consumption in Taraba State is on the increase due to the increasing awareness of its nutritional value, while its production is on the decrease due to inefficiency in the resource management (Taraba state government, 2011). Despite the nutritional value of watermelon, its production remained low in the state (Dauda et al., 2008). The productivity of farmers can be raised by adoption of improved technologies or improvement in efficiency or both.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The study has one main objectives which is divided into general and specific objective, the general objective is to examine the prospect and problem of water melon production in Bali Local government area of Taraba state, the specific objectives are;

1. To examine the problem militating against water melon production in Bali Local government area of Taraba state
2. To ascertain the effect of farmers education on the effective and efficient production of water melon

• To ascertain if there is a relationship between farmers financial constrain and water melon production in the state

1. To examine the profitability of water melon production in the state

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