Top 10 Yam Producing States in Nigeria

Many African countries rely heavily on yams as a staple crop, with Nigeria producing the largest yields worldwide. However, you might be asking which states in Nigeria yield the most yams. We shall thus examine the top 10 yam producing states in Nigeria.

Evidence of yam use for human nourishment dates back to 10,000 BC, making it one of the oldest staples used by humans. Because of its significance to the Nigerian economy and nutrition, it is a highly prized crop today.

Nigeria is the largest producer of yams worldwide. It produces more than 70–76 percent of the world’s yams. In 1985, Nigeria produced 18.3 million tonnes of yam from 1.5 million hectares, accounting for 73.8 percent of all yam production in Africa, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Figures from 2008 show that since 1985, Nigeria’s yam production has almost doubled to 35.017 million metric tons, valued at US$5.654 billion. To put things in perspective, after Nigeria, the two countries that produce the most yams worldwide, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, produced just 6.9 and 4.8 million tonnes of yams, respectively, in 2008.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture estimates that Nigeria’s 2,837,000 hectares of yam farming yielding 17 million tons accounted for nearly 70% of the world’s production.

This page covers you if you’re curious in which states in Nigeria generate the most yams! Here, we’ll look at the top 10 yam-producing states in Nigeria, ranked by total output values. We’ll examine in detail how each state contributes to the agricultural economy of the country.

Top 10 states that produces the most yam in Nigeria

1. Taraba State

Over 13 percent of Nigeria’s total yam production comes from Taraba State, one of the nation’s leading yam producers. With 4 million hectares of arable land available for agricultural and 1.5 million hectares being utilized annually, the state boasts an abundance of arable land.

Two locations, Wukari and Danacha, are well-known for contributing yam to other agricultural goods in Taraba State, such as cassava and yam.

The economy has benefited from Taraba State’s strong yam output, which has given many people who work in agriculture job opportunities. Additionally, it has made it possible for farmers to profit from their produce by exporting it overseas or selling it in nearby markets. Furthermore, by supplying a consistent supply of yams all year round, this high production rate has contributed to the state’s food security.

2. Benue State

At 1.5 million tons annually, Benue is the second-largest yam-producing state in Nigeria. The state is home to one of the biggest yam marketplaces in Africa, which is well-known for having an abundance of yams and other agricultural products.

Farmers in Benue state benefit greatly from the Zaki Biam yam market, which also lowers food insecurity in the region. The market gives farmers a place to sell their goods at prices that are competitive and gives consumers access to other food products including grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, the market acts as a major nexus for traders who purchase goods from nearby farmers and resale them elsewhere. This promotes economic growth and development by giving many residents of Benue state access to work opportunities.

3. Nasarawa State

Among the states that produces the most yams in Nigeria is Nasarawa State, which is situated in the north central area of the nation. It is well-known for exporting premium yams to many nations across the world. Yam cultivation has a lengthy history in the state; certain kinds have been cultivated since the early 1800s.

The “paper” yam species is the most widely grown type of yam grown in Nasarawa State. Because of its distinct flavor and texture, this kind of yam is very sought after. Indeed, Nasarawa State used to export more than 150 tonnes of this kind of yam to the UK alone.

Other types, including white and yellow yams, are also produced in the state. Because of its ideal climate and fertile soil, Nasarawa State is still a major producer of delicious yams that are enjoyed by people all over the world.

4. Oyo State

Oyo state is another state that produces the most yams. An astounding 2.4 metric tonnes of yam are produced there each year. This agriculturally oriented state, which is situated in southwest Nigeria, mostly depends on its agricultural output for a portion of its income. As a result, the state has gained national recognition for producing excellent yams that are utilized in a variety of recipes.

Oyo State can now produce more yams than ever before thanks to significant investments in updating its infrastructure and farming methods. Because of this, Oyo State is now among the major yam growers worldwide. The state also produces various agricultural goods such rice, beans, maize, and cassava. It is hardly surprising that Oyo State is one of Nigeria’s top yam growing regions given the variety of crops that are farmed here.

5. Kaduna State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in yam production is Kaduna State. The output of yams has increased in Kaduna, which is in the north-central part of the nation. The state is one of the biggest producers of yam in the nation, with an estimated contribution of more than 5 metric tonnes annually.

Because Kaduna State has the perfect soil and environment for growing yams, the state produces a significant production of this commodity.

The state government has taken action to guarantee farmers’ access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers, as well as technical assistance and guidance on farming best practices. Farmers are currently able to produce more than ever because to a gradual improvement in yields over time.

In addition, Kaduna State offers grants and subsidies in an effort to entice more people to become professional farmers. With these safeguards in place, Kaduna is probably going to stay among Nigeria’s top yam-producing states for a very long time. Wondering how you can start growing your own yam? Read this guide.

6. Niger State

Niger State is well known for growing yam tubers; the state produces a sizable portion of the nation’s yam crop. A survey was carried out to ascertain the quantity of yam produced in three local government areas in order to gain a better understanding of the frequency of yam production in Niger State.

According to the survey’s findings, the three LGAs generated 2.03 metric tonnes of yam on average every year.

The results of this survey show how Niger State contributes significantly to Nigeria’s total yam production. This data can be used by farmers and agricultural specialists to pinpoint locations where productivity and yield can be raised. Moreover, it can assist in guiding policy choices for the advancement of agriculture in Niger State and other regions.

7. Enugu State

Enugu is another noteworthy state in terms of yam output. Since the state produces a lot of yams, you can get them in bulk at one of the marketplaces there. Because of this, it’s the perfect location for anybody wishing to buy or sell yams in bulk.

Enugu State has been a well-liked travel destination for both farmers and traders due to its profusion of yams. When purchasing or selling yams, it is simple to get what you need thanks to the wide variety of farms and marketplaces in the area. In addition, Enugu State produces an unparalleled amount and quality of yams, making it an excellent option for those seeking superior produce.

8. Ogun State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in yam production is Ogun State. Ogun State, which is in the southwest of the nation, has a long history of producing yams and is renowned for its superior goods. The state is among the nation’s top producers of yams due to the volume of yams it produces annually.

In Yewa Division, Ogun state, there is fierce competition among traders for yams, with many vying for the produce grown by nearby farmers. This competition gives consumers access to high-quality yams at competitive costs while also assisting in ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.

Furthermore, having several traders guarantees that there is a consistent supply of yams on the market. As a result, Ogun State’s yam marketing success has played a significant role in the region’s economic development.

9. Anambra State

Another significant yam-producing state in Nigeria is Anambra State. The state is well known for producing superior yams that are in high demand from both buyers and traders. A range of yams, including white and yellow kinds, are produced in Anambra State.

Farmers in the state have embraced contemporary farming methods in an effort to boost yields and enhance the quality of their produce. As a result, there has been a consistent supply of superior yams, contributing to the economic expansion of the area.

10. Osun State

What is this list of Nigeria’s top ten yam-producing states, excluding Osun state? One of Nigeria’s top yam-producing states is Osun, where yam growing employs a sizable section of the populace.

The state grows both white and yellow yams, among other varieties. Additionally, the state is renowned for producing high-quality goods that buyers and dealers alike seek for.

What are the Health Benefits of Yam?

It helps to improve the brain’s performance
Menopause: Another advantage of elephant yam is that it helps to lessen menopause symptoms.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been connected to a number of diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The antioxidants in yams help lower this inflammation.
Blood Sugar: Yams are thought to have some blood sugar-regulating properties.
Digestion: Yams’ resistant starch functions as soluble fibers, which pass through the stomach and intestines undigested.

In summary

In conclusion, Nigeria is one of the top producers of yams worldwide. High-quality yams are produced in several Nigerian states, such as Ogun State, Anambra State, Osun State, and Nasarawa State. To boost yields and enhance the quality of their produce, some states have embraced contemporary farming practices. As a result, there has been a consistent supply of superior yams, contributing to the economic expansion of the area.