Abstract

The study examined the costs and return of acha production in selected local government areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 384 acha farmers were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire over the period 2022 cropping season. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and Z-test. Three factors were significant in determining acha production. While land rent and labour were significant at (P < 0.01), seed and herbicide were significant (P < 0.1). Labour accounted for 55.6% of the total costs of production. Of the total labour cost harvesting, tilling and weeding accounted for 15.9%, 14.5% and 12.5%, respectively. The result showed a mean farm size of 0.6 hectare with a mean output of 240kg. Costs and return structure show cost of production N29, 627.00, revenue of N45, 600.00 and a gross margin of N15, 937.00. Operating ratio and gross ratio were 0.6 and 1.6, respectively; while, return per Naira invested was 54k. It was concluded that acha production was a profitable enterprise in the study area with labour being a critical factor in its production. It is recommended, among others, that Acha farmers be encouraged to increase the size of their holdings from the existing 0.6ha, improved acha varieties should be developed to improve yield and that operations should be mechanized to reduce cost of labour.