Overview of Agriculture in Oyo State

Oyo State is one of the most agriculturally significant states in South-West Nigeria. Agriculture underpins economic activity, employment, food supply, and commercial value chains across the state, especially in the Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin corridors.

Staple and cash crop systems co-exist with livestock, fisheries, and expanding agro‑industrial clusters. The state’s location and transport infrastructure make it a key hub for commodity aggregation and distribution to major markets in Lagos, Abuja, and northern Nigeria.

Major Crops Produced in Oyo State

Maize: A leading staple crop cultivated across the state. Maize supports food needs, poultry feed production, breweries, and industrial processing.

Cassava: Widely grown for garri, fufu, starch, ethanol, and high-quality cassava flour (HQCF). It is a major income earner for many rural households.

Rice: Production has grown with irrigation systems and commercial rice milling investments.

Yam & Beans: Important for food security and trade within Nigeria.

Cocoa & Cashew: Cash crops contributing to export income and processing industries.

Livestock Production & Animal Husbandry

Oyo State hosts extensive livestock operations including cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. The livestock economy feeds into meat processors, feed mills, leather markets, and regional trade nodes.

Poultry farming around Ibadan and Ogbomoso is commercially driven, producing eggs and broilers for urban consumers. Piggery and dairy sectors are also expanding under private investment.

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Aquaculture activities, especially catfish and tilapia farming, are growing rapidly in Oyo State. These fish supplies contribute significantly to local food demand while reducing reliance on imported fish.

Modern hatcheries and fish feed systems have improved production efficiency and commercial viability. Fish farming clusters are emerging around rural pond systems and peri‑urban centers.

Agricultural Markets & Trade Hubs

Oyo State is strategically positioned as a major commodity aggregation center. Bodija Market, Shasha Market, and Ogbomoso grain hubs are amongst the busiest agricultural markets in Nigeria. These hubs handle maize, cassava products, cocoa, livestock, and vegetables.

The state’s road network enhances transport of agricultural commodities to ports and consumption centers across Nigeria, strengthening wholesale and retail price flows.

Agro-Processing & Investment Opportunities

Investors in Oyo State agriculture can explore agro‑processing sectors such as maize milling, cassava starch and flour production, rice mills, cocoa processing, poultry integration, and cold storage facilities.

The government supports private investment, mechanization, and youth entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Public‑private partnerships are growing in irrigation initiatives, input distribution, and commodity aggregation centers.

Agricultural Seasons & Climate

Oyo State has a tropical climate with a rainy season (March–October) and a dry season (November–February). Rain‑fed agriculture supports most crops, while irrigation systems enable dry‑season farming such as vegetables and rice.

Major Commodity Prices in Oyo State