Massive Cassava Production - Top 20 States That Produce Cassava In Nigeria

Nigeria is among the biggest producers and users of cassava worldwide. Which Nigerian states, nevertheless, yield the most of this adaptable and nourishing root crop? The top 20 Nigerian states that produce cassava will be covered in this article.

Cassava is a vital staple crop for millions of Nigerians. In many parts of the nation, it is a staple food with rice, yam, corn, and millet. Pigs, goats, and chickens are examples of domestic livestock that use the tuber crop as food or feed. It has been referred to as “the crop that feeds Nigeria” by some analysts.

We will examine Nigeria’s top 20 cassava-producing States in this article. We shall investigate the production levels of each state. We will also outline the steps that are being done to increase output from these states and enhance cassava production across the country.

Top 20 States That Produce Cassava In Nigeria

1. Oyo State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in cassava production is Oyo State. With a population of more than 6 million, it is situated in the southwest of the nation. The majority of cassava producers in Oyo State are smallholder farmers.

Because the state’s soil and climate are ideal for cassava production, the crop is extensively grown there. Furthermore, Oyo State’s principal cassava-growing regions are Saki, Oyo, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin.

2. Ogun State

When it comes to cassava production in Nigeria, Ogun State is the second-largest cassava producer . With a population of more than 6 million, it is situated in the southwest of the nation. Ogun State is renowned for producing high-yielding cassava varieties, mostly to smallholder farmers.

As a result, the government and other institutions have worked to improve Ogun State cassava growers’ access to finance. Farmers have been able to enhance their farming operations and make investments thanks to this.

In order to increase cassava output in Ogun State, Nigeria, in 2021 the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) said they have plans to build a packaging plant in the state. The facility, which will be situated in the Ikenne Local Government Area, is anticipated to boost cassava output by giving farmers access to cutting-edge packaging and processing techniques.

3. Benue State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in cassava production is Benue State. Benue State farmers are raising their output and revenue by leveraging the rising value of cassava processing.

Farmers in Makurdi and Ukum Local Government Areas have access to new markets for their produce thanks to two sizable cassava processing businesses operated by Chinese nationals. Compared to other crops, they would not have been able to raise their output and make as much money.

4. Imo State

Cassava farming is common in Imo State and provides a significant source of income for many smallholder farmers. The state government has launched a number of programs to encourage the cultivation of cassava.

These include giving farmers access to markets for their produce, instructing them in best practices for growing, and offering improved varieties of cassava.

5. Ondo State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in cassava production is Ondo State. The government of Ondo State has recently taken action to encourage the growth of the state’s cassava industry. No less than 2,450 farmers have recently been involved in cassava production by an organization. This project gives farmers possibilities while increasing cassava output for economic prosperity.

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has said that the modern integrated cassava processing plant in Igbara-Oke will create 1,000 jobs through cassava value chain.

6. Delta State

Nigeria’s Delta State is one of the leading producers of cassava. Farmers find the state to be an excellent place to grow cassava because of its good climate and soil characteristics.

The government of Delta State has launched a number of programs to encourage the production of cassava. These include giving farmers access to markets for their produce, instructing them in best practices for growing, and offering improved varieties of cassava.

7. Enugu State

In Enugu State, cassava cultivation is a significant agricultural business. The state boasts rich soil, a lot of rainfall, and a climate ideal for cassava cultivation. A staple diet for many in the area is cassava. In the industrial production of processed foods like fufu and garri, it is also utilized.

But the lack of flour processors is posing a serious problem for Enugu State’s cassava farmers. According to Mr. Romanus Ezeh, the state chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), this has complicated their attempts to make cassava flour for bakers.

Following the recent increase in the price of garri, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Enugu State, Mr Romanus Eze, has expressed the hope that there will be a boom in cassava production in the state this year.

8. Cross River State

One of Nigeria’s leading states in cassava production is Cross River State. This common farming method has prompted the conduct of numerous studies. One of the many research sought to find out how the production of cassava in this area was affected by soil characteristics like texture, pH, organic matter level, and nutrient availability.

The research area’s soil qualities varied significantly, as evidenced by the results, with certain regions having higher pH values, higher levels of organic matter content, and better nutrient availability than others. The production of cassava was strongly impacted by these variables; yields were higher in locations with better nutrient availability and higher levels of organic matter content than in those with lower parameters.

9. Ekiti State

On Nigeria’s list of the leading states in cassava production, Ekiti is not an exception. The administration of Ekiti State has teamed up with private investors to create a cassava farming and processing sector because they want to see greater advancements made in the state’s cassava cultivation. 5,350 direct and 10,950 indirect jobs are expected to be created in Nigeria as a result of this project.

10. Anambra State

In Anambra State, cassava is a staple crop that is farmed extensively and is valued by many families. This type of farming is primarily done by smallholder farmers on tiny parcels of land in conjunction with other crops. These crops include of vegetables, yams, and maize.

Cassava farming is a common practice in Anambra State, employing conventional farming methods. They consist of manual work and basic tools.

As a result, it has reduced the state’s cassava farming’s productivity and efficiency. In an attempt to increase yields and quality, contemporary farming techniques have been implemented.

11. Edo State

Edo state is one of Nigeria’s leading producers of cassava. It is home to more than 6 million people and is situated in the country’s south-south area.

In Edo State, cassava is cultivated on tiny parcels of land by smallholder farmers, who engage in widespread cassava cultivation. Because the state’s soil and climate are ideal for cassava production, the crop is extensively grown there.

More than 300 farmers in Edo State and Katsina State in Nigeria, recently received cassava planting materials from the Ministry of Agriculture. This is a component of the government’s initiatives to advance national economic growth and food security. Among the ingredients were cassava tubers, which are a common source of starch for Nigerians.

12. Taraba State

In Nigeria, Taraba is well known for having a high cassava production. In an effort to assist more than 19,000 rice and cassava farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) recently unveiled a significant project.

As part of its mission to support smallholder farmers in enhancing their standard of living and raising their incomes, IFAD is implementing this initiative. The project will give farmers access to tools, fertilizers, better seeds, and other supplies they need. In addition, it will give them access to markets for their produce and instruction on best practices in farming methods.

13. Rivers State

In Rivers State Nigeria, cassava cultivation is a significant agricultural business that sustains and generates income for a large number of rural people. But the industry faces many obstacles, including limited market access, outdated technology, subpar infrastructure, and inadequate financial facilities.

14. Abia State

Cassava production is a significant agricultural activity in Abia. Despite the state’s difficulties, the government has made significant progress in resolving them. Among the actions they took was to provide smallholder farmers with the tools they needed to boost their output. Modern farming methods were covered with the participants, including how to prepare the land and choose planting materials, among other things.

15. Kwara State

Different farming techniques are used in Kwara State to produce cassava. These technologies range from more conventional techniques to more contemporary strategies like mechanization and enhanced variations. Researchers have carried out multiple studies to investigate the impact of different technologies on energy use in cassava production, given their varying energy requirements.

16. Osun State

Another state in the South West that places a high value on cassava production is Osun State. To encourage the production of cassava, the state government has taken a number of actions. For instance, they have set up a cassava processing plant to turn the crop into flour and other goods that can be sold locally and abroad.

17. Kogi State

When it comes to the cultivation of cassava, Kogi state is serious. Announcing preparations for the first-ever Cassava City Day, an event examining the potential of cassava production in the state, is one of several initiatives the state administration has made to promote the sector.

The Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture is working with the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP) to organize the event. In addition, the program will instruct participants on how to maximize the opportunities for cassava cultivation, processing, storage, and marketing.

18. Niger State

Niger State is one of Nigeria’s leading producers of cassava. Recently, the state’s governor opened a cassava processing plant in Lokogoma, Wushishi Local Government Area. The International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Program provided funding for the factory’s establishment, which came with a N150 million price tag.

It is anticipated that this facility processing cassava would increase jobs and give the surrounding communities another source of income. It would also give farmers in Niger State access to cutting-edge machinery and technology, which will increase agricultural productivity in the region.

20. Ebonyi State

Ebonyi is the last state in Nigeria to produce the most cassava. That region of Nigeria is fond of dishes like fufu, gari, and akpu that are made from cassava. In order to encourage the production of cassava, the state government has taken a number of actions.

19. Ibom Akwa

In Akwa Ibom, cassava farming has the potential to make a major economic contribution by paying farmers, generating employment in associated sectors, and enhancing food security.

But in order for cassava farming to reach its full potential, some of the obstacles farmers face—like limited access to contemporary farming methods—must be addressed.

In summary

In Nigeria, the cultivation of cassava is a significant agricultural business that has been supported by numerous states. These top 20 states that produce cassava, from Abia to Ebonyi, are working to raise productivity, give people access to contemporary farming methods, and generate opportunities in associated sectors.