Benue State Agriculture & Commodity Market Intelligence
Production insights, farming opportunities, and agricultural value chains across Nigeria’s Food Basket State.
Overview of Agriculture in Benue State
Benue State is a major agricultural region in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, widely known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Its fertile soils and favourable climatic conditions support extensive crop cultivation across the state.
Multiple river systems and fertile floodplains make Benue suitable for both rain-fed and irrigated farming, enabling year-round agricultural production.
Benue Agriculture Snapshot
Food Basket
Leading Crop Producer in Nigeria
Floodplain Farming
Supports Irrigation Agriculture
Yam Capital
Largest Yam Production Hub
Export Potential
Soybeans & Sesame Markets
Major Crops Produced
Benue State cultivates a wide variety of staple and commercial crops including yam, rice, maize, cassava, beans, soybeans, groundnut, sorghum, and millet.
Yam remains the most culturally and economically significant crop in the state, contributing significantly to local livelihoods and national food supply.
Livestock and Rural Farming Systems
Livestock husbandry plays an important role in Benue’s rural economy, with cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry widely raised alongside crop farming. These integrated farming systems help strengthen food security and household income.
Major Agricultural Markets and Trade
Benue hosts one of Africa’s largest yam trading centres, the Zaki Biam International Yam Market. The market serves as a major aggregation and distribution hub, providing significant income opportunities for farmers and traders.
The state also records strong production of soybeans and sesame, which support domestic industries and agricultural exports.
Agricultural Development & Investment Opportunities
Despite challenges linked to insecurity and farming disruptions, Benue State continues to expand opportunities in agricultural mechanisation, irrigation development, agro-processing, and value-chain investments.
Yam Processing
Flour & Export Products
Oilseed Processing
Soybean & Sesame Processing
Storage Infrastructure
Cold Chain & Warehousing
Commercial Irrigation
Floodplain Agriculture Expansion
Major Commodity Prices in Benue State
| Commodity | Average Price | Market Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Yam | ₦45,000 / 20 Tubers | High Demand |
| Soybeans | ₦65,000 / 50kg | Export Driven |
| Rice | ₦54,000 / 50kg | Stable |
| Sesame | ₦55,000 / 50kg | Increasing |
