Kwara State Agriculture & Commodity Market Intelligence
Production insights, farming opportunities, and agricultural value chains across Nigeria’s State of Harmony.
Overview of Agriculture in Kwara State
Kwara State is located in North‑Central Nigeria and is often referred to as the State of Harmony. Its capital is Ilorin, and it shares borders with the Republic of Benin and Nigerian states including Niger, Kogi, Ekiti, and Osun.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Kwara’s economy, employing the majority of the population and supplying a wide range of staple and cash crops to local and regional markets.
The state lies within a tropical savanna zone with fertile soils and a network of rivers, including the Niger along the northern boundary, making it ideal for crop production and contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods.
Kwara Agriculture Snapshot
65%
Population Engaged in Agriculture
35%
Contribution to State GDP
Tropical Savanna
Fertile Land for Crop Production
Strategic Location
Bordering Republic of Benin & Key States
Major Crops Produced
Kwara State grows staples such as rice, maize, yam, cassava, sorghum, and millet, which are central to food consumption and trade.
Cash crops and export-oriented products include cotton, cocoa, coffee, beniseed (sesame), palm produce, and ginger. These crops support both local consumption and commercial distribution across Nigeria and export markets.
Agricultural Development & Government Initiatives
Government programs, including seed and fertiliser distribution, mechanisation initiatives, and the Special Agro‑Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), aim to boost productivity and enhance market value chains.
These initiatives, combined with investments in processing infrastructure and mechanised farming, are strengthening food security, rural incomes, and commercial farming in the state.
Livestock, Aquaculture & Emerging Sectors
In addition to crop farming, Kwara supports livestock and aquaculture activities. Emerging sectors such as sweet potato value chains and year-round vegetable production are gaining traction through organic and modern cultivation methods.
These sectors complement crop production, generate employment, and promote rural economic growth.
Agricultural Investment & Value Chain Opportunities
Cotton & Cocoa Processing
Export & Industrial Potential
Palm Produce
Oil & By-product Manufacturing
Rice Milling
Commercial Processing Facilities
Vegetable Farming
High-Value Organic Production
Major Commodity Prices in Kwara State
| Commodity | Average Price | Market Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | ₦45,000 / 50kg | Increasing |
| Cassava | ₦37,000 / Bag | Stable |
| Maize | ₦43,000 / 50kg | Stable |
| Cotton | ₦63,000 / 50kg | Export Oriented |
| Ginger | ₦50,000 / Bag | High Demand |
