Full List of Rice Producing States in Nigeria (2024)

Rice production in Nigeria has been going on in some selected states in the country.

About 29 states are engaged in the cultivation of rice as part of the plan of the federal government to make the nation an agricultural zone for the production of rice in the world.

Just last year, the land set aside for rice cultivation was 3.90 million hectares, which saw an increase in total output of 7% as compared to the 3.17million hectares for 2016.

This report also stated that 8.02 million metric tonnes was produced in the whole country.

This data shows that if all 36 states engage in the rice farming, by 2024, Nigeria would be among the leading producers of rice in the world.

Fortunately, Nigeria is blessed with the right soil and weather (rainy season and dry season) that supports the growth of this crop since continuous flooding or areas where high rainfall is experienced in most parts of the nation.

In fact, there are three types of rice fields that exists in the country which all aids in its harvest.

No wonder, quality rice brands are now sold everywhere in the country.

What is most surprising is the fact that Nigeria is among the largest importers of rice in Africa.

The country could be the largest exporter of the crop in the world since her rating as one of the largest producers of rice in the African continent, producing a capacity of 60 million metric tonnes that will be enough for feeding the nation and even for export.

For the record, the major rice producing states in Northern Nigeria are Kebbi, Borno, Kano and Kaduna states respectively.

In the Southern region of the country, Enugu, Ebonyi state and Cross River while rice is produced in Taraba and Benue for the middle belt region.

TOP 10 HIGHEST RICE PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA (2024)

Here is a full list of largest rice producing states in Nigeria and their capacity below:

KEBBI STATE

Kebbi is the state with the highest rice production rate and is known for its high quality long grain rice.

It recorded a harvest of 2 million metric tonnes of rice in the rainy season and about 1.5 million metric tonnes of rice in the dry season.

The state is home to several large-scale rice farms and milling facilities, and is also a major exporter of rice to other countries in the region.

Kebbi has one of the largest markets where this crop is sold and transported to other states.

One of the biggest rice clusters settlements at Suru is said to  produce up to a million bags of rice.

Big Bull rice, which is one of the best Nigerian local rice brands, is a sortex quality parboiled rice milled only in Kebbi state.

BENUE STATE

Benue is second on the list of highest rice producing states in the country, producing a capacity 1, 500, 000 MT per year.

No wonder this state is nicknamed the food basket of the nation.

Also, Benue states has a significant portion of its agricultural land dedicated to rice cultivation.

The state is home to several rice mills, including the Benue Rice Mill, which is located in the town of Makurdi.

EBONYI STATE

Ebonyi is the state where the popular Abakaliki rice is produced.

The government set aside more than 80,000 hectares of  land for local rice production and farming in a view to be the main supplier of the crop in the country by 2025.

Ebonyi state produces a capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes of rice annually.

The state is home to several rice mills, including the Ebonyi Rice Mill, which is located in the town of Abakaliki.

EKITI STATE

This is another state where rice farming strives and is produced in large quantities.

To meet up with the growing agricultural trend in the farming industry, the Ekiti state government went into agreement with Lagos state government on rice production.

The MOU would see rice cultivation in the state increase as large hectares of rice for over 10, 000 rice farmers in Ekiti benefiting from the partnership.

JIGAWA STATE

Jigawa is another state that has taken rice production to another level with a capacity of 2.1 million tonnes targeted in the nearest future.

The state government has an agenda of not only being the top state in Nigeria in rice production but also to be counted among the leading countries such as Thailand, Brazil, America and China from the world ranking on rice production.

KADUNA STATE

Kaduna state has been in the forefront in rice production accounting for over two million tons of rice on a yearly basis.

This state has over 350,000 farmers and even has a rice processing plant currently under construction in a bid to boost rice production in the state.

The plan which is already in motion will allow for 50% of rice produced in Kaduna to be exported to raise revenue for the state as soon as the factory is commissioned to operate.

Also, the collaboration between Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI) and Popular Farms and Mills in Kaduna state will allow for the distribution of certified rice seeds to local farmers and the training of over 30,000 rice farmers to increased paddy production.

KANO STATE

With a capacity of 1.6 million metric tonnes of rice produced annually, Kano is also one of the top rice producing states in Nigeria.

The inauguration of the Fullmark Rice Mill has helped boost the rice producing capacity in the state shelling out an average of 300 metric tonnes of rice on a daily basis.

OGUN STATE

Ogun State is also one of the major rice producers and processing states in the country.

The government policies on agriculture allows for the increase in local production of the crop while discouraging smuggling of rice into the country

The locally produced rice in Ogun state is known as Ofada is now sold for N11,500 per bag.

This special rice brand is processed in Abeokuta.

NIGER STATE

Niger State is another state that produces rice in commercial quantities.

This north-central state was rated as the highest state known for the production of rice in Nigeria according to verifiable data gotten from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) in the 2017/2018 farming season.

This feat was achieved because the government put the necessary tools and policies to aid local farmers invest in rice production.

Over six irrigation structures were constructed for dry season cultivation, which ensured planting of rice never stalled.

Niger state is also home to several rice mills, including the largest rice mill in Nigeria, located in the town of Minna.

CROSS RIVER STATE

Cross River State is located in the south-south region of the country.

This state was also listed among the states in Nigeria where rice is produced in large quantities.

LGA’s like Yala, Ogoja, Bekwara, Ikom, and Obudu are just a few local government areas where rice production is done.

KWARA STATE

Kwara State ranks among the top rice producing states in Nigeria with over 102,000 metric tons output during the wet and dry seasons of last year.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, rice pyramid can now be found in Kwara state as it takes its place among the in few states with highest rice production in Nigeria.

Other states where rice can be found and produced in Nigeria include: Nasarawa state, Taraba state, Kogi state, Zamfara state, Bauchi state and Sokoto state respectively.

RICE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA: WHAT TO KNOW

Rice is a major cash crop in the country and despite the potential Nigeria has in becoming one of the world’s largest producers of rice, the country has failed to take advantage of the opportunities in the food market and become a dominant force in Agriculture.

Rice production in Nigeria is mostly done by local small-scale farmers and producers especially in the northern region of the country.

Nigeria is among the largest producers of rice in Africa.

According to government records, rice production reached a peak of 15 million metric tonnes in 2017.

Out of this measurement,  Kano state recorded 1.2 million metric tonnes in production, while other states too.

One still wonders why Nigeria is still among one of the largest rice importing nations in the world, when she can comfortably produce rice for consumption of her citizens and also export to other countries as a means to generate revenue and boost the economy.

THE MAJOR RICE PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA

The following table shows the major rice producing states in Nigeria and their output:

State	Rice Output (Metric Tonnes)
Kebbi	1,300,000
Ebonyi	900,000
Kano	600,000
Niger	500,000
Taraba	450,000
Kaduna	400,000
Ogun	350,000
Jigawa	300,000
Sokoto	250,000
Zamfara	200,000

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RICE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

The success of rice production in Nigeria is influenced by various factors, including:

CLIMATE

Rice is a tropical crop and requires a warm and wet environment to thrive.

Most of the major rice producing states in Nigeria have a tropical climate, with high rainfall and temperatures.

SOIL

Rice requires fertile soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients.

The major rice producing states in Nigeria have soils that are suitable for rice cultivation.

IRRIGATION

Irrigation is an important factor in rice production, especially in areas with low rainfall.

Most of the major rice producing states in Nigeria have access to irrigation facilities.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

The Nigerian government has been actively supporting rice production through various initiatives, including the Anchor Borrowers Program, which provides farmers with loans and other forms of support.

CONCLUSION

Rice production is an important economic activity in Nigeria, with several states emerging as major producers.

The success of rice production in these states is influenced by various factors, including climate, soil, irrigation, and government support.