PRODUCTION

Dioscorea alata L. and Dioscorea rotundata Poir are the most commonly grown species of yam (Dioscorea spp.), a staple crop in many tropical nations. Due to their scarcity, high price, and included vulnerability to pests and diseases, producing good-quality seed yams continues to be a significant issue. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and yield of seed yam tubers among minitubers derived from vine cuttings and yam minisett of different cultivars of yam. The improved cultivars used for the minitubers experiment included Akuabata, Vayam, Asiedu, Favourite and Super. The yam minisett trial included Abakiliki 1, Abakiliki 2, Benin Local, Igiowa 1 and Igiowa 2. Both experiments were separately laid out as Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates. Vine cuttings were also obtained from the minitubers experiment to test the effect of different potting media (sawdust, rice hull, grass and corn cob) on growth and yield of minitubers under semi-autotrophic hydroponics. The vine cutting experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design in three replicates. Results indicated that seed yam tuber yield per stand varied from 267g in Super to 467g in Asiedu, while the yam minisett trial had 200g in Abakiliki1 and 717g Igiowa1. The multiplication ratio varied from 1:46 – 1:75 among the cultivars used in minitubers experiment, while yam minisett trial had 1:1.3 – 1:3.8. In the vine cutting experiment sawdust had 68.0 % survival and this was followed by rice hull, grass and corn cob. The used of minitubers derived from vine cuttings is viable option for production of quality seed yam of Dioscorea spp. Locally sourced potting media such as sawdust, rice hull and grass could be used in humidity chambers for production minitubers

This study was carried out to examine the effect of farmers’ cooperatives on smallholder rice production in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to: describe the socio- economic characteristics of rice farmers in the study area; profile the rice farmers’ cooperatives; examine the roles performed and services rendered by the cooperatives; compare the costs and returns of cooperative and non-cooperative rice farmers production; determine the effect of cooperative membership on rice yield; and examine the constraints facing cooperatives in promoting rice production. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 260 rice farmers comprising 130 cooperative and 130 non-cooperative rice farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index, cost and return analysis, t-test, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that the average age of cooperators was 45 years, while the average age of non-cooperators was 47 years. Additionally, the study revealed that majority of the cooperators (68.5%) and non-cooperators (75.4%) were males. Most rice farmers, cooperators (92.3%) and non-cooperators (80.0%) were married, with an average household size of seven persons for both cooperators and non-cooperators. Additionally, cooperators agreed to a high extent that cooperatives assisted members with farm implements (RII = 0.908), facilitated access to land (RII = 0.898), provided access to farm inputs (RII = 0.878), and supplied market information (RII = 0.863), among other services. Profitability analysis revealed that cooperative farmers recorded higher gross margins and net incomes of ₦519.68 and ₦499.23 per kg rice, respectively compared to ₦415.48 and ₦376.10 per kg rice for non-cooperative farmers, with a statistically significant difference (t = 4.8672) between both groups. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that cooperative membership, educational status, and farm size were positive and statistically significant at the 1% level, while age was negative and farming experience positive and were significant at the 10% level, indicating these variables as major determinants of rice yield. The major constraints affecting cooperatives included unfavourable government policies, inadequate support, and poor funding. The study concluded that cooperatives positively influenced rice farmers’ production and income. And recommended that Non-member farmers should be encouraged to voluntarily join or form cooperatives to access shared resources, economies of scale, and collective bargaining, thereby improving productivity and income and also strengthening institutional support to enhance the effectiveness of farmers’ cooperatives.This study was carried out to examine the effect of farmers’ cooperatives on smallholder rice production in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to: describe the socio- economic characteristics of rice farmers in the study area; profile the rice farmers’ cooperatives; examine the roles performed and services rendered by the cooperatives; compare the costs and returns of cooperative and non-cooperative rice farmers production; determine the effect of cooperative membership on rice yield; and examine the constraints facing cooperatives in promoting rice production. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 260 rice farmers comprising 130 cooperative and 130 non-cooperative rice farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index, cost and return analysis, t-test, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that the average age of cooperators was 45 years, while the average age of non-cooperators was 47 years. Additionally, the study revealed that majority of the cooperators (68.5%) and non-cooperators (75.4%) were males. Most rice farmers, cooperators (92.3%) and non-cooperators (80.0%) were married, with an average household size of seven persons for both cooperators and non-cooperators. Additionally, cooperators agreed to a high extent that cooperatives assisted members with farm implements (RII = 0.908), facilitated access to land (RII = 0.898), provided access to farm inputs (RII = 0.878), and supplied market information (RII = 0.863), among other services. Profitability analysis revealed that cooperative farmers recorded higher gross margins and net incomes of ₦519.68 and ₦499.23 per kg rice, respectively compared to ₦415.48 and ₦376.10 per kg rice for non-cooperative farmers, with a statistically significant difference (t = 4.8672) between both groups. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that cooperative membership, educational status, and farm size were positive and statistically significant at the 1% level, while age was negative and farming experience positive and were significant at the 10% level, indicating these variables as major determinants of rice yield. The major constraints affecting cooperatives included unfavourable government policies, inadequate support, and poor funding. The study concluded that cooperatives positively influenced rice farmers’ production and income. And recommended that Non-member farmers should be encouraged to voluntarily join or form cooperatives to access shared resources, economies of scale, and collective bargaining, thereby improving productivity and income and also strengthening institutional support to enhance the effectiveness of farmers’ cooperatives.

This study focused on the optimization of organic fertilizer production from Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) with the aim of determining the most suitable drying conditions for nutrient preservation and evaluating its effects on soil fertility and maize (Zea mays) growth performance. Fresh C. odorata leaves were collected, air-dried, and oven-dried under varying temperature (30–85 °C) and time (30–120 min) conditions. The effects of these parameters on nutrient composition (particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)) were analyzed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD). The optimized fertilizer product was applied to soil samples to assess changes in nutrient levels before and after maize cultivation. Results revealed that both drying temperature and time significantly influenced the nutrient composition of C. odorata. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents decreased with increasing temperature, whereas potassium concentration increased due to moisture reduction and mineral concentration effects. The optimal drying condition was found to be approximately 55 °C for 90 minutes, which preserved the highest levels of essential nutrients. Post-sowing soil analysis indicated improved macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations following the application of the optimized organic fertilizer. Maize plants grown in treated soil exhibited superior vegetative growth compared to the control, with notable increases in plant height, stem diameter, and dry biomass yield. The findings demonstrate that Chromolaena odorata can serve as an effective and sustainable source of organic fertilizer. Its utilization not only enhances soil fertility and crop productivity but also provides an environmentally friendly means of managing this invasive weed species.

This study entailed the production of ginger powder and analysis for selected phytochemicals and minerals element constituents. Examined phytochemicals were flavonoid, saponin, glycoside, phenols, alkaloid, tannin, coumarin, quinones and steroids while selected mineral elements analysed were iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and sodium. The ginger rhizomes for this study were obtained from New Benin Market, Edo State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used for processing the ginger powder. Specifically, the presence or absence of the selected phytochemicals was determined. Findings indicated that for fresh ginger rhizomes, the examined minerals are of the following values: Fe (1.00mg/L), Mg (0.75mg/L), Ca (0.50mg/L), Zn (0.80mg/L), K (19.7mg/L) and Na (2.2mg/L). For the processed ginger powder, the obtained values for the examined mineral constituents are: Fe (1.60mg/L), Mg (1.08mg/L), Ca (0.30mg/L), Zn (1.20mg/L), K (61.1mg/L) and Na (11.4mg/L). Based on findings from this study, ginger powder is a good source of the examined food minerals.

This study analyzed the profitability of cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined the socio– economic characteristics of cassava farmers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing profitability, and documented constraints faced by producers. A two – stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 cassava farmers from five major farming communities in the local government area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that cassava production in the area is dominated by small – scale farmers with a mean age of 42 years, average farm size of 1.3 hectares, and relatively high educational attainment. Budgetary analysis showed the enterprise to be profitable with a gross margin of ₦107,929.46 and net profit of ₦67,054.70 per farmer per production cycle, yielding a net profit margin of 25.4%. Regression results identified farm size, yield and fertilizer cost as significant positive determinants of profitability

Enzymes are biological catalysts that regulate specific biologicak reactions. Pectinase is an essential industrial enzyme widely utilized in food processing, textile, and paper industries due to its ability to degrade pectin and enhance product quality. Microorganisms like Aspergillus spp have been used in the commercial production of this industrially important enzyme.This study aimed to investigate the production of pectinase using Aspergillus spp isolated from soil samples
under submerged fermentation conditions. Aspergillus species were isolated from a total of five (5) soil samples gotten from dump sites within the University of Benin and the village of Ekosodin, after all the samples were serially diluted and inoculated on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) using the pour plate technique. Pure cultures were obtained and the fungal isolates were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics then screening was carried out, for selecting species that are capable of producing amylase on a commercial scale. The results were based on the mean counts of the fungi isolates which ranged from 13±1.00 ×10³cfu/g to 37±1.00 ×10³ cfu/g representing the lowest and highest mean counts obtained respectively, percentage frequency of the fungi isolates showing the various fungi isolated which include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tarmari, Mucor, Penicillium Chrysogenum, Penicillium spp and Fusarium of which Aspergillus niger has the highest percentage of occurrence(35), morphological description, optical density of which 0.09±0.0005 and 0.314±0.005 represents the lowest and highest values respectively.In conclusion, the results from this study shows that Aspergillus species were predominant in the soil and can be readily isolated and applied industrially in the production of the enzyme pectinase

Oil palm seedling production is a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, particularly in Edo State, where it supports rural livelihoods and contributes to national income. This study evaluated the economics of oil palm seedling production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of producers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing revenue, and assessed constraints faced by farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents from five oil palm seedling-producing communities. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression. Results revealed that the majority of producers were male (61%), middle-aged (50% aged 21–40 years), and educated (94% had at least primary education). The average household size was 5 members, and most farmers operated small-scale farms (55% cultivated 0.5–1 hectare). Total production cost averaged ₦401,867.27, with land rent (₦109,558.82) and fertilizer (₦55,655.13) as major expenses. The enterprise proved profitable, generating a gross margin of ₦588,325.60 and a return on investment (ROI) of 1.464. Regression analysis indicated that seed cost (r = 4.65, p < 0.001) and fertilizer cost (r = 4.85, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced revenue, explaining 61.5% of variability (R² = 0.615). Key constraints included inadequate finance (100% of respondents), high transportation costs (99%), irregular input supply (99%), labor shortages (98%), and land tenure issues (99%).

The purpose of this project is to design a small-scale biogas digester that uses household food waste as feedstock to address the financial and environmental issues that arise from food waste. The aim is to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by producingbiogas from biodegradable waste, which can be used for power generation and cooking. A review of the literature, conceptual design, meticulous manufacturing, and performance testing are among the goals. The study emphasizes how important it is to address rising food waste to improve the environment and provide financial relief. The project's goal is to make it easier for homes to adopt biogas plants by offering ideas that are simple enough for installation. The scope includes designing and building a biogas canister digester as well as producing biogas from home food waste.

This study investigates the technology employed in the production of Type 4 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) composite cylinders and explores potential improvements to enhance their performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Type 4 cylinders, composed of a polymer liner fully wrapped with fiber-reinforced composites, represent the most advanced generation of LPG storage vessels due to their lightweight structure, corrosion resistance, and superior burst strength. Data for the research were obtained through field observations at Don Mac Limited, review of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering simulations. The study analyzed each stage of the production process—from liner molding and surface preparation to filament winding, curing, testing, and inspection—based on ISO 11119-3 and EN 12245 standards. Simulation results revealed that substituting high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners with polyamide (PA11) and E-glass fibers with hybrid carbon–glass reinforcements increased burst pressure from 50 bar to 70 bar while maintaining a high factor of safety.

The study analyzed the profitability of oil palm Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, estimated the inputs and output quantities of oil palm FFB production in the study area, estimated the costs and returns of oil palm FFB production and its profitability at different ages of the palms in the study area, examined the factors affecting profitability of oil palm FFB production in the study area and identified the constraints faced by respondents in the study area. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the respondents for the research. A Total 109 copies of questionnaire were sent to the field to collect primary data and 70 copies were retrieved and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative techniques. Result study showed that the oil palm produces were mainly male (71.4%), with a mean age of about 48 years and formal educational background. Oil palm FFB was found to be most profitable at the age range of 9-18years with an estimated Net Farm Income of N881644.71 per hectare. and there was profit for palm younger than 8 years at the Gross Margin level with an estimated gross margin of N253619.18 but the net income was negative meaning a loss in the long run