Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, relies heavily on its vast agricultural sector, which employs over a third of its labor force and is the single largest contributor to the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Often referred to as the “giant of Africa,” the country’s food security and economic stability rest firmly on the shoulders of its farmers.

However, pinpointing a definitive “top 10” list is complex because of Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Production leadership varies: a northern state may dominate in grains and livestock, while a middle-belt state is famed for tubers, and a southern state leads in cash crops like cocoa and palm oil.

Drawing upon recent agricultural census data, specialized crop production figures, and historical notoriety, we explore the states that form the true “Green Heart” of Nigeria, feeding millions and driving the agricultural economy.

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The Pillars of Nigerian Crop Production

1. Benue State: The Undisputed “Food Basket of the Nation”

Benue State holds the official and widely recognized title of Nigeria’s “Food Basket” for a good reason. Its fertile Benue River floodplains and Guinea Savanna climate make it ideal for tubers and cereals.

• Key Crops: Yam (it is a global yam production hub), Rice, Cassava, Sesame Seed, and Soybeans.
• Significance: Its production volume for staple crops like yam is enormous, securing its place as an agricultural superpower. Recent NBS data also showed a high percentage of households in the state are engaged in poultry farming.

2. Ebonyi State: The New Crop Cultivation Leader

According to the latest National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) by the NBS, Ebonyi State had the highest percentage (99.5%) of agricultural households engaged in crop cultivation. This statistic highlights the deep reliance and pervasive nature of farming in the state’s economy.

• Key Crops: Rice (known for the high-quality Abakaliki Rice), Cassava, and Yam.
• Significance: While traditionally known for rice, the census confirms that virtually every rural household in Ebonyi is involved in farming, showcasing its intensity and potential.

3. Niger State: A Leader in Landmass and Production

As Nigeria’s largest state by land area, Niger State possesses vast expanses of arable land and favorable river systems, making it a natural hub for mechanized and large-scale farming.

• Key Crops: Rice (a major national producer), Sorghum, Shea Nut, and is often cited as a leading state for Yam cultivated area.
• Significance: Its extensive land and strategic location in the North-Central zone make it a major gateway for food distribution across the country.

4. Kano State: The Agricultural Household Champion

While often famous as a commercial and industrial centre, Kano State leads the country with the highest total number of agricultural households (2.4 million), according to the NASC report. This indicates a massive concentration of farming activity.

• Key Products: Groundnut, Rice, Tomato, and Livestock (cattle and goats).
• Significance: Kano’s dense network of farmers and strong history of cash crop production make it a formidable force in both food crops and exportable commodities.

5. Kaduna State: The Diverse Northern Powerhouse

Kaduna State is a dominant force in the North, known for its diverse produce supported by rich soil and extensive farming communities. It also ranks high in the total number of agricultural households (2 million).

• Key Crops: Rice, Maize, Ginger, Sorghum, and Cotton.
• Significance: Kaduna is particularly noted for its commercial production of Ginger, making it a key exporter of the spice.

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Specialized Zones and Hidden Strengths

The remaining top states are recognized for their leading roles in either specific commodities or livestock.

6. Jigawa State: The Livestock and Cereal Hub

Jigawa State is primarily renowned for its strength in the animal husbandry sector, recording the highest percentage of agricultural households (84.2%) engaged in Livestock Production in the recent census.

• Key Products: Livestock (cattle, goats, sheep), Rice, and Groundnut.
• Significance: Its contribution to the national protein supply through livestock is arguably its most important role.

7. Taraba State: The Mambilla Plateau Advantage

Taraba State benefits from the unique temperate climate of the Mambilla Plateau, allowing for agricultural diversity not commonly found elsewhere in the country.

• Key Products: Rice, Cassava, Livestock, and the unique cultivation of Tea and Coffee on the Mambilla Plateau.
• Significance: It serves as a rare agro-ecological zone, capable of producing cool-weather crops alongside tropical staples.

8. Oyo State: Southwestern Cash Crop Anchor

Located in the Southwest, Oyo State is a long-standing agricultural leader, especially in the production of staple food crops and lucrative cash crops.

• Key Crops: Cocoa, Cassava, Maize, and Oil Palm.
• Significance: Along with Ondo, it is part of the historic Western region that built its economy on cocoa, a critical non-oil export for Nigeria.

9. Ondo State: Oil Palm and Cocoa Legacy

Ondo State is a high-volume producer of essential cash crops, which remain vital to Nigeria’s export earnings.

• Key Crops: Cocoa, Oil Palm, and Cassava.
• Significance: The state is a major player in the production of Palm Oil and Cocoa, driving local industrial processing and export markets.

10. Katsina State: Northern Grain and Livestock Corridor

Similar to its northern counterparts, Katsina State utilizes the vast savanna lands for large-scale cereal and animal rearing.

• Key Products: Groundnut, Rice, and a major centre for Livestock farming.
• Significance: It is a major supplier of grains and livestock to the bustling markets of Northern Nigeria and beyond.

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The Future of Nigerian Agriculture

The data clearly illustrates that Nigeria’s agricultural strength is geographically dispersed, with the North-Central and North-West regions dominating cereal and livestock production, and the North-Central and South-East leading in tuber and root crop cultivation.

However, the sector faces critical challenges, including banditry and insecurity in food-producing regions, inadequate access to finance, and the impact of climate change. Addressing these issues with targeted government policies—such as improved infrastructure, access to irrigation (currently prominent in Kebbi and Kaduna), and enhanced security—is essential. The future of Nigerian food security lies in supporting these top farming states to realize their full potential, ensuring the nation’s “Green Heart” continues to beat strongly.