Contribution of Farm Service Centers to Agricultural Production in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Development of agriculture and improvement in productivity is impossible without increasing farmer’s knowledge and access to quality inputs. In view of this, the mandate of Farm Service Centre’s was examined. Survey method was used to source for secondary and primary data. A total of 526 questionnaires were administered in twelve Farm Service Centers in 10 local government areas of the three agricultural zones of Plateau State. The study included; institutional evaluation, services rendered, patronage, access to inputs, crop cultivation and performance. Results revealed that Farm Service Centers were unable to discharge their mandate satisfactorily because inputs and services were not available or inadequately supplied. This situation adversely affected their contribution to agricultural production. Empirical evidence revealed that average yield of crops such as maize and sorghum in 2007, was below 1 ton (1000kgs/ha). The study concluded that Farm Service Centre’s could make significant contribution to agricultural productivity. But it requires public and private partnership (PPP) for sustainability. This paper discusses concepts and models of Farm Service Centre’s, mandate, resource availability, patronage, crop production and suggestion for the establishment of sustainable models