Five Major Cash Crops in Nigeria

By Aaior K. Comfort

1. Cocoa:
   Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s leading export crops, providing substantial foreign exchange. It is essential for producing cocoa butter, chocolate, and cosmetics. Establishing a cocoa farm requires significant investment, typically ₦1,000,000 to ₦2,000,000, but the returns can be as high as ₦3,000,000 per hectare. Despite the abolition of the cocoa board, domestic and export demand for cocoa beans remains high, with prices surging in recent years.
2. Rice:
   Rice farming is one of the most important agricultural activities in Nigeria. Upland and lowland rice varieties are cultivated, depending on soil and water conditions. While rice provides food security and income for many farmers, challenges such as weed control and irrigation persist. With the right planting techniques, rice farming can yield significant profits and meet the high demand for rice across the country.
3. Cassava:
   Cassava is a staple root crop in Nigeria, used to make popular dishes like fufu, eba, and garri. It is a highly productive crop, capable of yielding up to 50 tonnes per hectare under good conditions. With an initial investment of ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, a cassava farm can generate up to ₦500,000 per hectare. Cassava is also vital for reducing reliance on wheat imports by being processed into flour, ethanol, and animal feed.
4. Tomato:
   Tomato farming is a lucrative venture in Nigeria, with year-round demand. Tomato farms require an investment of ₦200,000 to ₦500,000, and can generate profits of ₦300,000 to ₦800,000 per hectare. Northern Nigeria, particularly Kano, Jigawa, and Benue states, dominates tomato cultivation, but it is expanding into other regions. Modernizing cultivation techniques can improve yields and profitability.
5. Maize:
   Maize is Nigeria’s most widely grown cereal crop and is consumed across the country in various forms. White and yellow maize varieties are commonly cultivated, with yellow maize used for animal feed and white maize for human consumption. Maize farming is a key source of income for many Nigerian households, offering versatile usage in food production and agriculture.

These cash crops are vital to Nigeria’s economy, providing income, food security, and export opportunities.