Impact of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) Bag on the Profitability of Cowpea Storage in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State

Abstract

The study examined the impact of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) Bag on the Profitability of CowpeaStorage in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structuredquestionnaire. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, independent t-test and farm budgeting models wereemployed for data analysis. Results of the descriptive analysis revealed that cowpea storage in the study areawas gender bias given that majority (94.2%) of the respondents were men. About (98.3%) had one form offormal education or the other, while (76.7%) had above 15 years farming experience. Results from the CobbDouglas regression model indicated that among socio-economic factors such as age, household size and yearsof experience, only age have a significant positive impact on the profitability of cowpea storage using PICSbag (p<0.097). The profitability analysis puts the average net revenue for chemical and PICS bags users at₦48,210 and ₦82,730 per hectare, respectively. The difference in profit was statistically significant (P< 0.00),implying that PICS bags usage was more profitable and had an impact on cowpea storage in the study area.Against this background, it was recommended that Niger State Government, through the Extension Componentof the State Agricultural Mechanization and Development Authority (NAMDA) promote efficient use ofimproved storage technology (PICS bag) amongst cowpea farmers in the study area with the view to ensuringprofitable and sustainable cowpea production.