Profitability of Processor Use of Melon Sheller in Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Profitability of Processor Use of Melon Sheller in Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

C.A, Adamade, E. I. Eze*, F.O.Anyaeji, I.C. Ozumba
Agro Industrial Development and Extension Department, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin, Nigeria
*Correspondent author

Abstract-This study assessed the profitability of use of melon sheller by melon processors in Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State in order to verify the advantage of the use of mechanized equipment for melon shelling. The data generated were basically primary and obtained through personal interview schedule with a well-structured questionnaire. A random sampling technique was used in selecting the sampling for the study. A total of 60 Agro-processors engaged in melon processing across the four villages purposively selected were used. Data were analysed using budgetary analysis and descriptive statistics. From the investigation, the result of the costs and returns analysis revealed that Gross Margin (GM) was ₦9,700.00. It shows that the use of this machine will make business more viable. It was therefore concluded that the use of melon sheller in processing melon is profitable in the study area and as well hastens and minimize the stress involve in shelling manually, as majority of the melon processors are women. Also credit facilities should be made available so as for them to get more returns. It was recommended that a melon sheller with a cleaning unit should be made available in the area for easy separation of the melon seeds from the husk after shelling.

Key words: Melon (Citrullus Lanatus), melon processing, profitability, shelling, Edu.

I. INTRODUCTION

Melon (Citrullus Lanatus) popularly referred to as “Egusi” in Yoruba language is one of the important oil seed crops widely grown and consumed in Nigeria and most other African countries. The melon seeds are small, flat and oval containing a white cotyledon in a thin walled shell with a thick ring around the edges [2]. Melon seed is one of the agricultural products mainly found in the southern part of Nigeria which is affected by the variability of the climate in the country[6].

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