Profitability and Economic Prospects of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Farming in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State

This study investigated the economic aspects of tomato production in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, focusing on socioeconomic characteristics, costs and returns of production. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 100 tomato producers. The study employed various analytical techniques, including descriptive statistics, and budgetary analysis. The survey revealed that the majority were female (63%), with an average age of 38 years. Most farmers were married (57%) and had secondary (35%) or tertiary education (33%). Farming experience averaged 22 years, and the typical farm size was 0.9 hectares. The economic analysis showed that the total cost of production was ₦110,577.00, with variable costs accounting for ₦75,543.00 and fixed costs totaling ₦35,034.00. The total revenue generated was ₦152,000.00, resulting in a gross margin of ₦41,500.00 and a net profit of ₦41,423.00. The study recommended that the extension workers should be strengthen to provide farmers with improved tomato varieties, pest management techniques, and modern agronomic practices. And also the cooperative societies should develop storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance profitability through value addition.