Crops to Plant in January in Nigeria | Dry Season Farming

Crops to Plant in January in Nigeria

January is one of the most strategic months for farming in Nigeria. While many people think farming slows down after December, experienced farmers know that January is peak dry-season opportunity. With proper planning, irrigation, and crop selection, farmers can make very high profits during this period.

This guide explains what crops to plant in January in Nigeria, broken down by the six geopolitical zones, with practical advice for small, medium, and commercial farmers.

Why January Is a Powerful Month for Farming in Nigeria

January comes with:

• Low rainfall
• Cool Harmattan weather
• Reduced pest pressure
• High market demand for vegetables
• Less competition from rain-fed farms

Farmers who plant the right crops in January usually enjoy:

• Better prices
• Faster crop growth
• Fewer diseases
• Higher profit margins

The key requirement is water control, which makes irrigation very important.

Key Things to Consider Before Planting in January

Before choosing what to plant, every farmer should consider:

1. Water Availability

Dry season farming depends on:

• Borehole
• River or stream
• Well
• Tank + pump
• Drip or sprinkler irrigation

2. Soil Type

Sandy-loam soils perform best during dry season because they drain well and warm up quickly.

3. Market Demand

Vegetables planted in January often mature when prices are highest.

Crops to Plant in January in Nigeria by Geopolitical Zones

1. North West (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto)

This zone is one of Nigeria’s strongest dry-season farming regions due to irrigation access and large land areas.

Best Crops to Plant in January in Nigeria

• Tomatoes
• Pepper (tatase, rodo)
• Onion
• Carrot
• Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Wheat
• Spinach

Why These Crops Work

• Cool Harmattan weather favors leafy vegetables
• Onion and tomatoes perform excellently under irrigatio
• Strong local and southern market demand

Use drip irrigation for tomatoes and pepper to reduce water waste and disease.

2. North East (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba)

January farming here depends heavily on irrigation, especially along riverbanks.

Best Crops

• Onion
• Tomato
• Pepper
• Okra
• Watermelon
• Lettuce

Why

• Long sunshine hours speed up growth
• Low humidity reduces fungal diseases

Mulching is very important to conserve moisture.

3. North Central (Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT)

This zone supports both grain and vegetable dry-season farming.

Best Crops

• Tomato
• Pepper
• Okra
• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Sweet corn
• Carrot
• Cabbage

Why

• Moderate temperature
• Access to rivers and dams
• Strong urban markets (Abuja, Ilorin, Lokoja)

Raised beds improve drainage and root development.

SEE THESE ALSO:

– Best Drip Irrigation Systems for Vegetables

– Irrigation Equipment Supplier in Nigeria

– Greenhouse Farming in Nigeria

4. South West (Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos)

Dry season farming in January is very profitable here because supply is low while demand is high.

Best Crops

• Tomato
• Pepper
• Cucumber
• Watermelon
• Ugu (fluted pumpkin)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Okra

Why

• Proximity to large markets (Lagos, Ibadan)
• Quick vegetable turnover
• Strong price advantage

Drip irrigation is the most cost-effective solution for small farms.

5. South East (Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi)

Farmers here benefit from fast-growing vegetables and high consumption rates.

Best Crops

• Ugu
• Okra
• Garden egg
• Pepper
• Tomato
• Spinach
• Amaranthus

Why

• Strong local consumption
• Vegetables mature quickly
• Easy marketing

Use shade nets for seedlings to reduce heat stress.

6. South South (Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo)

Humidity is higher here, but January still supports dry-season vegetable farming.

Best Crops

• Okra
• Pepper
• Garden egg
• Ugu
• Waterleaf
• Maize (short-season varieties)

Why

• Warm soil temperature
• Good organic matter content
• Strong local demand

Ensure proper spacing to reduce disease pressure.

Best Vegetables to Plant in January across Nigeria

If you want a quick decision list, these crops perform well in almost all zones:

• Tomato
• Pepper
• Okra
• Cucumber
• Watermelon
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Ugu

Irrigation Options for January Dry Season Farming

To succeed in January farming, irrigation is not optional.

• Best Irrigation Systems
• Drip irrigation (most efficient)
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Solar irrigation kits
• Hose + pump (small farms)

Drip irrigation can save up to 50% water and increase yield significantly.

Estimated Cost of Dry Season Farming in January (Small Farm)

For a 0.25–1 acre vegetable farm:

• Seeds: ₦10,000 – ₦35,000
• Irrigation kit: ₦55,000 – ₦250,000
• Fertilizer & agrochemicals: ₦25,000 – ₦60,000
• Labour: ₦15,000 – ₦40,000

Common Mistakes Farmers Make in January

• Planting without a water plan
• Using poor quality seeds
• Overwatering crops
• Ignoring mulching
• Late pest monitoring

Avoiding these mistakes can double your profit.

Best Seeds and Inputs for January Farming

For best results, use:

• Hybrid vegetable seeds
• Water-soluble fertilizers
• Mulch films
• Drip irrigation kits
• Crop-specific pesticides

These inputs improve yield and shorten harvest time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January good for farming in Nigeria?

Yes. January is one of the best months for dry-season farming if irrigation is available.

What crop sells fastest in January?

Vegetables like tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, and leafy greens sell very fast due to scarcity.

Can I farm without irrigation in January?

It is risky. Irrigation is strongly recommended for consistent results.

Finally

January is not an off-season – it is a profit season for smart farmers. By choosing the right crops for your geopolitical zone and investing in basic irrigation, you can produce high-quality crops when prices are at their peak.

For quality seeds, irrigation kits, fertilizers, and farm inputs, Farmsquare provides reliable options with nationwide delivery. Visit Farmsquare.ng to get started.