Economic Analysis of Irrigated Irish Potato Production in Plateau State
The study examined the economics of irrigated Irish potato production in Plateau State. A multistage sampling technique using purposive and systematic random sampling was used to obtain data from a sample size of 120 respondents using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Gross Margin Analysis, Benefit –Cost Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis. Results reveals that majority of the farmers were educated (64.17%) adults (58.33%) with long years (97%) of experience in Irish potato irrigation farming, and owned an average of 0.7 hectares of irrigated farm land each. Cost and Return analysis revealed that costs of seeds, labor and chemical fertilizers made up the highest (89.40%) portion of the average total variable cost of production. Results also revealed that irrigated Irish potato production in Plateau State is a profitably lucrative enterprise with a robust economic viability as shown by values  of Gross Margin ( N 655,637.88), benefit–Cost Ratio (2.64) and Sensitivity Analysis ratio (2.16). The study recommends expansion in irrigated Irish potato farm lands in addition to adoption of technologies that will minimize cost of seeds, labor and chemical fertilizers. Keywords: Gross Margin, Benefit, Cost, Sensitivity, Profitability.
Evaluation of a Greenhouse under Tropical Conditions Using Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) as the Test Crop
Abstract Irish potato is a tuberous staple food predominantly grown in Plateau State, a temperate climate. As a result of the high demand for Irish potato, there is a shortage in its supply in Nigeria. The shortage in its supply could be attributed to climate change and the fall in the production level. This study sought to establish the potential of a greenhouse (GH) for the production of Irish potato in the tropics. The experiments were carried out in the rainy and dry seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Nicola, Diamant, Batita, New Seed and Okonkwo varieties of Irish potato were cultivated inside and outside the greenhouse. Thirty seedlings of each variety were planted using Completely Randomised Experimental Design. Greenhouse performance was evaluated in terms of air temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit, yield, stem diameter, stem height and dry matter content. The result of the analysis of variance revealed that the mean greenhouse and open-field temperature, relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit differed significantly at 0.01 during the rainy and dry season. The yield and growth data in and outside the greenhouse were significantly different at 0.01. Diamant, Batista and Okonkwo varieties are recommended for GH production.
Women and family
The changing nature of the family has sparked considerable debate and controversy in recent years. This book takes a comprehensive look at family structures worldwide and women's roles within them. It describes how the family impacts upon every aspect of women's lives, their early education and socialization, sexuality and the ways in which they learn their roles as wives, mothers and carers. It assesses the growing challenge from women to men's power and explores the contradictions for women that are inherent in the family. It examines the role of state support and considers the factors underlying the rising divorce rate that is now affecting families in both North and South.