EVALUATION OF RAINFALL EFFECT ON RICE PRODUCTION AT KATCHA

Abstract

This study analyses the relationship between rainfall and rice production in Katcha, Niger State, Nigeria. The study also described the trend of rainfall and rice production over a period between 1987 and 2011 to understand the effects of rainfall on rice production in the study area. Data on annual rainfall (mm) and rice production (t) were collected from 1987-2011 to determine the relationship between rainfall and rice production in Katcha, Niger State, Nigeria. The analytical tools used were Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and line graph. The final result of the correlation (0.72) shows that there is significant relationship between rainfall and rice production in Katcha. It was found that rainfall has effect on rice production in the study area. The result of the findings also revealed that 1.64% (487.03mm) reduction in rainfall led to 2% (8,697.66tonnes) reduction in rice production. Therefore, strengthening farmers-extension workers relationship is paramount. It is suggested that rice varieties that can survive with good yield in adverse climatic conditions be developed by breeders to reduce rainfall effects on rice production.