Perceived Training Needs of Smallholder Rice Farmers on Urea Deep Placement Technology in Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated the perceived training needs of smallholder rice farmers on urea deep placement (UDP) technology in Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 162 rice farmers by using a well-structured questionnaire administered to the respondents. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used for analysis of collected data. The results showed that respondents were predominantly male, married and had secondary education, with mean age of 46 years. The mean household size was 10 persons, average farm size and average number of rice plots were 1.1 ha and 1 plot respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that extension visit, paddy rice output and training were positive and significant to the use of UDP technologies, while age, education level, farm size, access to credit and compatibility were negatively significant. The areas of priority for training are use of seed sorting box (99.4%), line transplanting (99.0%), USG application (89.4%), panicle harvesting (79.4%) and nursery establishment (60.0%). Majority (72.6%) of the farmers are willing to attend on-the-job training if given the opportunity. The study recommended that the government and non-governance agencies in Benue State should give utmost priority to the training needs of the smallholder rice farmers to improve their knowledge level and use of UDP technologies in the State for increased rice production.