Rice farming is one of the most lucrative types of farming in Nigeria, although rice is classified as a cash crop for farmers, it is one of the most consumed staple foods and important cereal in Nigeria. Almost 7 million tonnes of rice are consumed per year in the country.

In July 2015, when the Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to place a ban on the importation of rice into the country, Nigeria’s local rice production started experiencing growth and demand for locally produced rice also increased. The ban placed on the importation of rice caused the price of foreign rice to soar, turning the attention of Nigerians to locally produced rice. Creating an opportunity for interested individuals, farmers, organisations and even some state governments to go into rice production.

Rice mills like Abakali rice, Lake (Lagos and Kebbi State) rice, Anambra rice, Labana rice, as well as the production of Babban Gona’s rice and many others are among the producers of rice in Nigeria. There are more opportunities in the rice farming sector for intending rice farmers.

rice farming in Nigeria - rice field
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RICE FARMING IN NIGERIA
NIGERIA IS THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF RICE IN AFRICA
Nigeria is the largest producer of rice in Africa, producing about 8,435,000 tonnes annually, followed by Egypt, Madagascar, Tanzania and Mali according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Ironically, Nigeria is the 3rd highest importer of milled rice in the world, importing about 2 million metric tonnes of rice into the country.

Read more here: https://babbangona.com/interesting-facts-about-rice-farming-in-nigeria