Uses of Turmeric

The study analysed the economics of turmeric production in Zangon – Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study used multi-stage sampling for samples selection. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and linear regression models. Results of socio-economic characteristics indicated that 50% of the farmers were within the age group of 21 – 40 years, a high proportion (44.4%) of them were well experienced in farming and had moderately sized household sizes (71.2%), and majority (70%) of them were males and 72.2% were married. Results of profitability shows that turmeric production was profitable with average gross margin and profit of ₦93,297.95/ha and ₦76,297.95/ha respectively, and a return on investment of 0.49%. Results of output determinant shows that the coefficients of labour, fertilizer, and agrochemicals were each significant at 1% level of probability, while that of quantity of seeds was significant at 5% level of probability. The result showed a coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) of 0.892%. Furthermore, results of production constraints shows that the most important factors militating against turmeric production were poor production technologies and scarcity and inadequacy of inputs, each reported by 47.8% of the respondents. The study concludes that turmeric production in the study area was profitable and worthwhile. It recommends that turmeric farmers must access improved farming technologies and government should take proactive measures to improve the prices of turmeric output.