How to Plant and Grow Rice in Nigeria

Wondering how you can grow rice seeds in Nigeria?

Rice consumption is soaring in Nigeria, but local production struggles to meet the demand. Despite challenges like climatic factors, growing rice in Nigeria is not only possible but can be rewarding. 

In this CrackHow guide, we provide step-by-step recommendations for planting and growing rice in Nigeria.

Planting Rice Seed

1. Site Selection: Choosing the right land is crucial for successful rice cultivation. Opt for lowland areas situated below 300 meters above sea level. Ensure the selected site has access to irrigation schemes, ensuring a constant water supply. Additionally, it's essential to have a proper drainage system in place for water removal during the harvest season.^[1]

You can also consider planting rice seeds in plastic buckets. Ensure the buckets contain slightly acidic clay for optimal results.

2. Purchase Rice Seeds: You may also buy  good quality rice seeds with no insect damage and no contaminants from a reputable supply store like the State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) that includes rice in its production programs or River Basin Development Authority. There recommended types of rice to choose from include:

• Early maturing (<90–100 days): FARO 44 (SIPI) and ‘etumbe’ (local).

• Medium maturing (100–120 days): FARO21, 26, 29, 52 (WITA 4), 57 TOX 4004-43-1-2-1, and others.

• SUAKOKO 8 and FARO15: Suitable for iron toxic areas.

• Late maturing (>120 days): FARO 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 24, 28, and others.

• Gall midge-affected areas: Cisadane (FARO 51).

3. Prepare and Germinate Rice Seeds: Gather at least 1 to 2 ounces (28.5 to 56.5 g) of rice seeds for sowing. Place the gathered rice seeds in a container and soak them in cold water for approximately 12-24 hours. Then, incubate the seeds in a warm, moist place for the next 2 days. ^[2]

4. Plant the rice seeds throughout the soil: The land for rice farming is better prepared from when the rainy season is over. Get rid of the weeds, till the beds, and level the soil. As the rainy season approaches, the land would have been ready for planting.

• If you are using buckets, fill them with at least 6 inches (15 cm) of moist soil. Then add the rice seeds.
• If you are planting in lowland areas, ensure that your irrigation and drainage systems are well-prepared to manage water levels efficiently.

That's it with planting. Stay tuned for part 2 of our comprehensive guide which covers growing rice in Nigeria.