Top 10 Yam Producing States in Nigeria

Yam is one of the oldest vegetables used for human sustenance, with evidence dating back to as early as 10,000 BC. In modern-day Nigeria, it is a highly valued crop due to its economic and nutritional importance.

If you're interested in learning which states produce the most yams in Nigeria, this article covers you! Here we will examine Nigeria's top 10 yam-producing states based on their total production values. We'll look closely at each state and how it contributes to the nation's agricultural economy.

Which State is the Largest Producer of Yam in Nigeria?

1. Taraba

Taraba State is a major producer of yam in Nigeria, with its products accounting for over 13 percent of the country’s total yam production. The state has abundant arable land, with 4 million hectares available for farming and 1.5 million hectares being exploited yearly.

Two places, Wukari and Danacha, are known for their contributions of yam to Taraba State's other agricultural products like cassava and yam.

The high production of yams in Taraba State has positively impacted the economy, providing employment opportunities to many people involved in farming activities. It has also enabled farmers to generate income from their produce by selling it at local markets or exporting it to other parts of Nigeria or abroad. Furthermore, this high production rate has helped to ensure food security in the state by providing a steady supply of yams throughout the year.

2. Benue

Benue is Nigeria's second-largest yam-producing state, with an annual production of 1.5 million tons. The state has an iconic yam market with a large supply of agricultural products such as yams, making it one of the largest markets in Africa.

The Zaki Biam yam market provides a great source of income to farmers and helps reduce food insecurity in Benue state. The market serves as a platform for farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices and provides access to other food items such as grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Furthermore, the market also serves as an important hub for traders who buy from local farmers and resell them elsewhere. This helps to create employment opportunities for many people living in Benue state, thus contributing to economic growth and development.

3. Oyo

Another state with the highest yam production is Oyo state. It produces an impressive 2.4 metric tonnes of yam on an annual basis. Located in Nigeria's southwest, this agriculturally inclined state relies heavily on its agricultural products to generate a portion of its revenue. Thus, the state has become renowned for its high-quality yams, used in various dishes across the country and beyond.

Oyo state has invested heavily in modernizing its farming techniques and infrastructure, allowing it to produce more yams than ever. This has enabled Oyo State to become one of the world's most important producers of yams. In addition, the state also produces other agricultural products such as cassava, maize, rice, and beans. With such a wide range of crops being grown here, it is no surprise that Oyo State is one of Nigeria's top yam growers.

4. Kaduna

Kaduna State is one of the top yam-producing states in Nigeria. Located in the country's north-central region, Kaduna has seen an increase in yam production. It is estimated that the state contributes upwards of 5 metric tonnes of yam each year, making it one of the largest producers in the country.

The high yield of yams from Kaduna State is attributed to its favorable climate and soil conditions which are ideal for growing this crop.

The state government has taken steps to ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds and fertilizers, as well as providing technical support and advice on best practices for farming. This has resulted in a steady increase in yields over time, with farmers now able to produce more than ever.

Furthermore, Kaduna State provides incentives such as subsidies and grants to encourage more people to take up farming as a profession. With these measures in place, Kaduna will likely continue to be one of Nigeria's top yam-producing Nigeria'sr many years to come.

5. Niger

Niger State is renowned for its yam tuber cultivation, with a substantial amount of the country's yam output coming from the state. To better understand the frequency of yam production in Niger State, a survey was conducted to determine the amount of yam produced in three local government areas.

The survey concluded that the three LGAs produced an average of 2.03 metric tonnes of yam annually, representing 10% of Nigeria's total yam production.

The findings from this survey demonstrate that Niger State is an important contributor to Nigeria's overall yam production. Farmers and agricultural experts can use this data to identify areas for increased productivity and yield. Furthermore, it can help inform policy decisions related to agricultural development in Niger State and beyond. 

6. Enugu

Another unforgettable state regarding yam production is Enugu. You can acquire large quantities of yams from one of the marketplaces in the state, as it produces a lot of them. This makes it an ideal place for those looking to buy or sell yams in bulk.

The abundance of yams in Enugu State has made it a popular destination for traders and farmers alike. With its vast array of farms and marketplaces, it is easy to find what you need when buying or selling yams. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of yams produced by Enugu State are second-to-none, making it a great choice for anyone looking for top-notch produce.

7. Ogun

Ogun State is one of the top yam-producing states in Nigeria. Located in the country's southwest region, Ogun State has a long history of yam production and is known for its high-quality products. The state produces a lot of yams each year, making it one of the largest producers in the country.

Yam marketing in Yewa Division, Ogun state, is highly competitive, with numerous traders competing to purchase yams from local farmers. This competition helps to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce while also providing buyers with access to quality yams at reasonable prices.

Additionally, the presence of multiple traders ensures that there is always a steady supply of yams available in the market. As such, the performance of yam marketing in Ogun state has been instrumental in driving economic growth and development in this region.

8. Anambra

Anambra State is another major yam-producing state in Nigeria. The state is renowned for its high-quality yams, which are sought after by traders and consumers alike. Anambra State produces a variety of yams, including white and yellow varieties.

The state's farmers have adopted modern farming techniques to increase their yields and improve the quality of their produce. This has resulted in a steady supply of high-quality yams, which has helped drive the region's economic growth.

9. Osun

What's this list of the top 10 yam-producing states in Nigeria without Osun state? Osun state is one of the largest yam-producing states in Nigeria, with a significant portion of its population engaged in yam farming.

The state produces a variety of yams, including white and yellow varieties. Also, the state is known for its high-quality products, which are sought after by traders and consumers.

10. Nasarawa

Nasarawa State is located in the north-central region of Nigeria and is one of the largest yam-producing states in the country. It is known for its high-quality yams, exported to various countries worldwide. The state has a long history of cultivating yams, with some varieties grown since the early 19th century.

The most popular variety of yams produced in Nasarawa State is called the ‘paper’ yam species. This type of yam is highly sought after due to its unique texture and flavor. In fact, at one point, Nasarawa State was exporting over 150 tonnes of this type of yam to the United Kingdom alone.

The state also produces other varieties, such as white and yellow yams. With its rich soil and favorable climate, Nasarawa State continues to be a major producer of high-quality yams that people worldwide enjoy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigeria is one of the world's leading yam-producing countries. Many states in Nigeria produce high-quality yams, including Ogun State, Anambra State, Osun State, and Nasarawa State. These states have adopted modern farming techniques to increase their yields and improve the quality of their produce. This has resulted in a steady supply of high-quality yams, which has helped drive the region's economic growth.