The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, reported a significant increase in rice production for the 2024 wet season. According to their findings, Nigeria produced 9,129,907.68 metric tonnes of rice, compared to 8,902,225.99 metric tonnes in the 2023 wet season.
The Executive Director of NAERLS, Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, presented these results during the release of the 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance report. He noted that the survey was conducted from September 8-15 in collaboration with various agencies and organizations.
Ikani stated, “The survey involved a team of six scientists, one from each agroecological zone, and focused on food production, crop pests and diseases, postharvest losses, market conditions, commodity prices, agrometeorological conditions, and the overall agropastoral situation across the country.”
Among the top rice-producing states, Niger State led with an impressive **700,000 metric tonnes, followed by Kogi, Benue, and Kano States. However, the report also highlighted that over 350,000 hectares of arable land were lost due to insecurity, which has hindered farmers’ access to their fields for food production.
Additionally, the report identified several areas within the agricultural sector requiring further research and training, including crop production, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, irrigation, agricultural mechanization, extension services, and women’s involvement in agriculture.
