Field Demonstration on Rice Production, Yield, and Cost Benefit Analysis of Nerica Four (4) Variety

Abstract: The Gambia experiences rain fed agriculture in which 70% of smallholder farmers are engaged in crops and livestock production for sustainable livelihood improvement. The production of rice for food self-sufficiency is a policy direction of the government to increase yield capacity and income of smallholder farmers in the rural communities of the Gambia. The production of rice is associated to tidal and pumps irrigation in low land alluvial soils while upland rice production depends on rain-fed agriculture. The objective of this research trial was to determine yield potentials and cost-benefits of rice production. The field experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with different treatments and parameters. The data collected and analyzed using ANOVA and excel sheet with analysis of variances. The trial reveals that nitrogen 150kg/ha produced the highest yield of 4.96 tons/ha, whereas nitrogen zero which is control (0) kg/ha produced the lowest yield of 1.97 ton/ha while nitrogen of 100kg/ha and N50kg/ha recorded a ripening percentage ratio of 75.50% and 70.87% respectively. The trial further depicts that, the application of 50kg/ha of nitrogen provides the highest marginal rate of return making it the most cost-effective option. The application of 150kg/ha produces the highest yield and net income, it incurs higher costs and exhibits diminishing returns beyond 50kg/ha. The importance of balancing input levels with economic efficiency to optimize farmer profits.Basing on the research findings I conclude that the marginal rate of returns MRR) was determined to ascertain the financial reliability of adopting the rate of 50kg/ha as the best agricultural practice while recommending to government implement the national rice development strategy in the drive attaining rice self-sufficiency.