Article

Introduction of improved variety of cowpea at dadin kowa community of yamaltu-deba local government area of gombe state, Nigeria

Abstract

The research was conducted during the 2021 rainy season at Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. The project focused on Dadin Kowa community in an attempt to introduce IITA99K-573-1-1, an improved variety of cowpea (with early maturity, diseased resistance and high yielding I.e. IITA99K-573-1-1) so as to boost the income earning capacity and improve the economic development as well as food security of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government area of Gombe State. The Nation. Four farmers group were used for this research which included Hinna grain proccessors, Dakun, Jangargare and Dadin Kowa multipurpose cooperative societies. Demonstration plot was established and improved agronomic practices were demonstrated. Comparisonsm between the improved (IITA99K-573-1-1) and local variety (Knannado) was made. The cost of production of improved variety was ₦35,700 producing yield of ₦ 90,000 (450kg) at harvest period, while that of local variety was ₦24,100 producing yield of ₦32,000 (200kg). The gross margin of improved variety was ₦54,300, while that of local variety was ₦7,900. The farmers' perceptions (100%) of improved variety was higher than that of the local variety this is because, the gross margin of improved variety was positive, indicating higher profit margin, for the same size of plot devoted.

Keywords: Cowpea Variety, Food Security, IITA99K-573-1-1.