Authors : K.I. Okeke-Agulu and N.A. Chukwuone
Abstract: The study examined the profitability of catfish production in JOS metropolis of Plateau state, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 60 respondents drawn from the list of members of catfish farmers association using simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using net farm income and profit function models. Results showed that the average returns per farm of 1000 fish capacity was 246,343 per production cycle while the returns per naira invested was 2.3 times. The profit function analysis revealed that 83% of the variation in maximum variable profit was explained by the combined effects of the variable costs in the function. The t-statistics indicated that with the exception of labour, all other variable costs were positively significant in influencing profit, although the cost of drugs and veterinary care showed a negative significant relationship. The study recommends the investigation of the alleged detrimental effect of cold weather on fish growth and development in the study area by the National Institute for Fresh Water fisheries research with a view to advising the farmers appropriately.
K.I. Okeke-Agulu and N.A. Chukwuone, 2012. Profitability of Catfish Production in JOS Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria: A Profit Function Approach. Agricultural Journal, 7: 226-229.