Economic Viability of Processing and Marketing of Rice in Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the economic viability of processing and marketing of rice in Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select sixty (60) respondents for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire and interview schedule and they were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. The result shows that the major form of processed rice that is marketed in the area is regular milled white rice. The gross margin obtained was N235, 600.00 showing that the processing and marketing of rice is profitable. From the study, the profitability ratio shows that it is viable with every N1.00 invested in rice processing and marketing giving a return of N2. This is the case in the study area not withstanding some critical predicaments like lack of adequate financial assistance, motorable roads, and lack of required assistance from extension agents among others.

Keywords: economic viability, gross margin, rice, marketing, and processing.