The federal government of Nigeria has said that in the last three years, the country has been leading globally in the production of yam, palm oil, cassava, maize and rice
The minister of agriculture and rural development Muhammed Mahmoud announced this at the maiden edition of the National Agribusiness Stakeholders’ and Investment Summit in Abuja.
He told delegates at the summit that Nigeria’s agricultural potential was huge, with over 84 million hectares of arable land of which 40% was cultivated, adding that the country’s population of over 200 million had made it Africa’s largest market.
“It is remarkable that in the past three years Nigeria has taken a leading role globally in cassava, yam, maize, palm oil and rice production,” Mahmoud said.
He added, “We are currently the largest producer of rice in Africa with a production level of over nine million metric tonnes from 2019. The federal government is investing in the development of additional 10 large scale integrated rice mills across the country.
“Their combined minimum capacity is 320 mt per day, which when completed will enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in rice production.”
The minister pointed out that the agricultural sector currently accounts for 24.14% of the nation’s GDP and 75% of the total non-oil exports.
