Crops to Harvest in September in Nigeria: 7 Best Options for Farmers

Introduction

Crops to harvest in September in Nigeria vary from one part of the country to another. This is because farmers plant at different times, and rainfall patterns are not the same across the country.

September is an important month for Nigerian farmers. In many areas, some early-planted crops are already ready for harvest, while other crops are still growing. It is also a good time for farmers to prepare for the end of the rainy season and plan for storage and marketing.

According to the FAO crop calendar for Nigeria, crops such as yam, rice and millet have harvesting periods that can fall around September and October. However, the exact harvest time depends on the crop variety, planting date, location and weather conditions.

Farmers should therefore avoid harvesting simply because it is September. They should check the crop carefully and make sure it has reached the right stage.

In this guide, we look at some of the major crops that Nigerian farmers may harvest in September and the signs to look for before harvesting.

1. Yam

Yam is one of the important crops that farmers can harvest around September in many parts of Nigeria.

The main yam harvest season generally falls between August and October, although the exact timing depends on the variety and when the yam was planted.

Yam is especially important in parts of the Middle Belt and southern Nigeria. States such as Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Oyo and other yam-producing areas have large numbers of farmers involved in yam production.

Farmers should not depend only on the calendar when deciding when to harvest yam. They should check the crop and look for signs of maturity.

Some signs include:

• Yellowing or drying of the leaves.
• The vine beginning to dry.
• The tuber reaching the expected size.
• The crop reaching its normal maturity period.

Early harvesting can result in smaller tubers, while leaving mature yam in the soil for too long may increase the risk of losses.

Agriculture Nigeria also provides useful information on pests and diseases of yam, which farmers should be aware of before and after harvest.

The Nigerian government is also working to increase yam production and reduce post-harvest losses, showing the importance of yam to Nigeria’s food system. Read more about Nigeria’s yam production programme from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

2. Rice

Rice is another important crop to consider when discussing crops to harvest in September in Nigeria.

Rain-fed rice planted earlier in the rainy season can begin reaching maturity around September in some areas. The FAO crop calendar places much of Nigeria’s rain-fed rice harvest around September and October.

However, rice does not mature at exactly the same time on every farm.

Farmers should look at the grains and the general condition of the rice field before harvesting.

Some useful signs include:

• Most of the grains have changed from green to a mature colour.
• The panicles are heavy with grain.
• The grains have reached the expected maturity stage.
• The crop begins to dry naturally.

Harvesting too early can lead to immature grains and lower quality. Waiting too long can increase the risk of losses from birds, pests, rainfall, and lodging.

Rice farmers can also learn more about crop production through Agriculture Nigeria’s crop production resources.

3. Groundnut

Groundnut is one of the major crops that can be harvested from September in parts of Nigeria.

According to Agriculture Nigeria’s guide to major crops grown in Nigeria and their seasons, groundnut is commonly planted around May and June and harvested around September and October.

Groundnut is particularly important in northern and Middle Belt states.

Farmers need to be careful when harvesting groundnut because leaving mature pods in the soil for too long can increase losses.

Before harvesting, farmers can check whether the pods have developed properly. They should also consider the condition of the leaves and the age of the crop.

After harvesting, proper drying is very important. Groundnut that is not dried properly can develop quality problems during storage.

The National e-Agriculture Portal also provides information on legumes such as groundnut, cowpea and soybean.

4. Millet

Millet is another crop that can be harvested around September, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The crop is well suited to areas with lower rainfall and can mature relatively quickly. The FAO crop calendar indicates a September to October harvesting period for millet.

Farmers should monitor the crop closely as it approaches maturity.

Signs that millet may be ready for harvest include:

• The grains have developed properly.
• The crop begins to lose its green colour.
• The panicles become mature.
• The grains become firm.

The exact harvesting date depends on the variety, planting date, rainfall and location.

Farmers should also prepare a clean and dry place for the harvested millet. Good storage can help reduce losses and protect the grain from pests and moisture.

5. Cowpea

Cowpea, commonly called beans, is another important crop that can be harvested around September and October in many parts of Nigeria.

Cowpea is widely grown in northern Nigeria and parts of the Middle Belt. It is an important source of protein and income for many farming households.

Cowpea can mature at different times depending on the variety and planting date.

Farmers should watch the pods carefully as the crop approaches maturity. Harvesting should be done at the appropriate stage to reduce losses from pests, shattering and weather.

Farmers can also learn more about the different crops grown in Nigeria from the National e-Agriculture Portal, which includes information on cowpea and other legumes.

After harvesting, farmers should dry and store cowpea properly. Good storage is important because beans can be affected by insects and other storage problems.

6. Vegetables

Some vegetables can also be harvested in September.

Unlike many field crops, vegetables can be produced at different times of the year, especially where farmers have access to irrigation.

Tomatoes, peppers, okra, leafy vegetables and other crops can be harvested during the rainy season depending on when they were planted.

Some vegetables may be ready within a few weeks, while others take longer.

Farmers should therefore use the maturity period of the particular variety as a guide.

For vegetable farmers, regular harvesting can also encourage continued production in some crops. Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant or the marketable part of the crop.

7. Early-Maturing Maize

Maize is widely grown across Nigeria, but September is not the main harvest month for all maize farms.

Some early-planted or early-maturing maize varieties may be harvested around this period, depending on location and planting date.

Agriculture Nigeria’s crop-season guide notes that maize harvesting can occur at different periods depending on the production system and location.

Farmers should check the maturity of their maize rather than harvesting simply because other farmers are harvesting.

Signs of mature maize can include:

• Drying of the husks.
• Brown or dry silks.
• Well-developed grains.
• The cob reaching the expected size.

Maize intended for storage should be properly dried before being stored. Moisture can create serious storage problems and reduce grain quality.

What Farmers Should Do Before Harvesting in September

Knowing crops to harvest in September in Nigeria is only the first step. Farmers also need to prepare properly before taking crops from the field.

1. Check crop maturity

Do not harvest only because it is September.

Check the crop’s maturity, planting date and variety. A crop that was planted late may not be ready at the same time as a crop planted early.

2. Prepare labour

Harvesting can require a lot of labour, especially for crops such as yam, groundnut and rice.

Farmers should arrange workers early to avoid delays when crops become ready.

3. Prepare storage

Before harvesting, clean and prepare the store.

The storage area should be dry, clean, and protected from rain, pests, and rodents.

4. Prepare transport

Farmers should also plan how the produce will move from the farm to the storage area or market.

Poor transportation can cause damage and increase post-harvest losses.

5. Check the market

Farmers should know where they intend to sell their produce before harvesting large quantities.

Good market planning can help farmers avoid selling in a hurry when prices are low.

Why Harvest Timing Matters

Harvesting at the right time can make a major difference to farm income.

Harvest too early and the crop may not have reached its full quality or size. Harvest too late and the farmer may face losses caused by pests, rain, disease, birds or other problems.

This is particularly important as climate and weather conditions become less predictable.

The World Bank recently reported that crop losses in Nigeria have increased in recent years, with climate shocks, environmental stress and insecurity among the factors affecting farming. Read the World Bank’s report on agricultural losses in Nigeria.

This is why farmers need to monitor their farms closely instead of relying only on traditional harvest dates.

September Is Also a Good Time to Plan for the Dry Season

September is not only about harvesting.

It is also a useful time for farmers to start planning for dry-season farming.

Farmers who want to grow vegetables during the dry season should start thinking about:

• Water sources.
• Irrigation equipment.
• Land preparation.
• Seeds.
• Fertiliser.
• Labour.
• Markets.
• Farm budget.

Farmers who have access to reliable water can use irrigation to continue production after the rains reduce.

Good planning can help farmers move from rainy-season production into dry-season farming without a long break.

Common Mistakes Farmers Should Avoid During September Harvest

There are several mistakes that can reduce the value of a harvest.

Harvesting too early

Do not rush to harvest because neighbouring farms have started harvesting. Your crop may have been planted at a different time.

Harvesting during heavy rain

Where possible, farmers should choose suitable weather conditions for harvesting and drying. Wet produce can be more difficult to store safely.

Poor drying

Many harvested crops need proper drying before storage. Farmers should not store wet or poorly dried produce.

Poor storage

A good harvest can still be lost if the storage facility is not clean, dry and protected.

Selling without checking the market

Farmers should compare available buyers and prices before selling large quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crops are harvested in September in Nigeria?

Some crops that may be harvested in September include yam, rice, groundnut, millet and cowpea. Some vegetables and early-maturing maize may also be ready, depending on the planting date, variety and location.

Is September a harvest month in Nigeria?

Yes. September is an important harvest period for some crops in Nigeria. However, harvest periods vary between crops and regions. Farmers should always check crop maturity rather than depend only on the month.

Can yam be harvested in September?

Yes. Yam can be harvested around September in many parts of Nigeria. The exact timing depends on the variety, planting date, and growing conditions.

When is groundnut harvested in Nigeria?

Groundnut is commonly harvested around September and October, although the exact period varies according to location, variety, and planting date.

When is rice harvested in Nigeria?

Rain-fed rice can be harvested around September and October in some parts of Nigeria. Irrigated rice has different production and harvesting periods.

What should farmers do after harvesting?

Farmers should clean, sort, and properly dry their produce before storage. They should also prepare safe storage and identify suitable markets to reduce post-harvest losses.

Conclusion

September is an important month for Nigerian agriculture. Several crops can reach maturity during this period, including yam, rice, groundnut, millet and cowpea. Some vegetables and early-maturing maize may also be ready for harvest depending on when they were planted.

However, farmers should remember that there is no single harvest date for every farm in Nigeria. Location, rainfall, crop variety, and planting date all affect maturity.

The best approach is to monitor the crop carefully and harvest at the right time. Farmers should also prepare storage, transport and markets before harvesting.

Understanding the crops to harvest in September in Nigeria can help farmers plan their labour, reduce losses and make better decisions about selling their produce.

For more practical farming information, explore Agriculture Nigeria’s crop production section and learn more about crop seasons in Nigeria.