The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has revealed that Nigeria produced 9,129,907.68 metric tonnes of rice during the 2024 wet season, compared to 8,902,225.99 metric tonnes in 2023.
This information was presented by the Executive Director of NAERLS, Professor Emmanuel Ikani, while unveiling the 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance in Nigeria report. The survey was carried out from September 8 to 15, 2024, in collaboration with multiple agencies and organizations.
The survey involved a team of six scientists, each representing an agroecological zone, and provided insights into various aspects of the 2024 cropping season, including food production, crop pests and diseases, postharvest losses, market conditions, commodity prices, weather patterns, and the agropastoral situation across the country.
Among the top 10 rice-producing states, Niger State led with 700,000 metric tonnes, followed closely by Kogi, Benue, and Kano States.
However, the report also highlighted a major challenge: over 350,000 hectares of arable land were lost due to insecurity, preventing farmers from accessing their fields.
The report also identified areas in need of further research and training, including crop science, horticulture, livestock management, fisheries, agroforestry, irrigation, agricultural mechanization, extension services, and women’s involvement in agriculture.
Key recommendations from the report include the development of a long-term agricultural mechanization strategy, establishing an Agricultural Trust Fund for emergency periods, increasing investment in resilient agriculture, creating a national and state productivity enhancement blueprint with effective input subsidies, eliminating multiple taxation on agricultural produce, addressing transporter exploitation by security agencies, and strengthening e-Extension services for agricultural advisory programs.