ECONOMICS OF INTERCROPPING OKRA WITH COWPEA

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the economic returns obtainable from the intercrop of okra with cowpea at varying levels of cropping densities. Average of yields over the two - year period covered by the study was used for the measurement of output while the values of input and output were determined by the prevailing market prices. Budgeting was used for the analysis. The three economic indicators employed - Net returns, Benefit - cost ratios and increased net returns showed that the best mix of okra - cowpea which could be recommended to farmers was the intercrop of two rows of okra with one row of cowpea (OC 2:l). The practice gave increased net returns of N21,052.97 (37.51 %) and N52,197.97 (208.96%) over the sole cropping of cowpea and okra respectively. It also showed an increased return of between N43,690.44 and N71,132.78 above other intercrop treatments. This result is in favour of the current moves of agricultural extension agents towards popularizing the practice of alley farming among horticulturists in Nigeria.