Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by AgriAxis.ng
Are you wondering if it is too late to start farming now in 2025 as the year is coming to an end, just few months left ?. It is not too late to start farming now; In fact, you can start now and still cash out big time by December and benefit and enjoy the year end holidays.
Farming in Nigeria is one of the fastest ways to build wealth if you plan wisely. Many young people want to know: If I start farming now, mid-August 2025, can I harvest and sell before December?
The answer is Yes, but only if you choose short-maturing crops and livestock ventures. August may feel late in the year to begin farming, but the truth is that you can still start certain crops and animal ventures now and enjoy harvest or returns before December in Nigeria.
With the right short-maturing crops and fast-yielding livestock, small-scale farmers and agripreneurs can maximize the remaining months of 2025.
With realistic facts, examples, and statistics, this guide will show you the best options (what you can plant or rear) you can start immediately right now (in mid-August) and still make profit before the year ends and by the festive season.
Note Agriculture is not a get rich quick kind of a thing. It required good hands, good heads, good will and right attitude to work.
Crops You Can Plant in Mid-August and Harvest by December 🌱
Since you want to start farming now and make money by December (about 3.5 to 4 months from now), you should focus on fast-growing crops that mature within 3 to 4 months. Here are some good options:
1. Maize (corn) 🌽:
Maize can mature in about 3 to 4 months (90–110 days maturity) depending on the variety. It is widely grown in Nigeria and has good market demand.
If you plant early-maturing maize varieties now, you can harvest green maize (fresh corn) by late November or December.
According to IITA, improved maize hybrids can mature in 90 days under good rainfall and fertilizer application.
2. Cucumber 🥒:
Cucumbers have a 45 to 60 days maturity and is fast-growing and profitable.
You can harvest from late October through December. Cucumbers have a good market demand in cities and hotels.
3. Sweet Potato 🍠
Sweet Potatoes have a 90 to 120 days maturity. If planted now, some varieties can be harvested by December.
Sweet potato leaves can be sold as vegetables before root harvest.
4. Groundnuts (peanuts) 🥜:
Groundnuts take about 3 to 4 months to mature and are profitable because they are used for oil and food products.
5. Vegetables 🥬:
Vegetables are in high demand all year in Nigerian markets. By September, you can already be selling.
Lettuce grows quickly (about 2 months) and is becoming popular especially in urban markets.
There are other vegetables that grows between 2 to 12 weeks maturity. Example Fluted pumpkin (ugu), spinach, amaranthus, waterleaf, okra.
6. Okra 🍈
Okras grow between 50 to 70 days which means they can start fruiting in 6 to 8 weeks after planting. And you will continue to have have multiple harvests until December
7. Pepper (hot pepper) 🌶️:
Some varieties of pepper mature in about 3 months and have good demand. Ata to wo n si.
8. Cassava (early maturing varieties):
Some cassava varieties can be harvested in 6 months, but if you want a quicker harvest, focus on the other crops above.
9. You can also plant:
Plantain and cocoyam are profitable but take longer than 4 months to harvest, so they may not fit your timeline.
Livestock Ventures You Can Start Now 🐄
There are animals you can rear now and make profit by December.
For animal farming with a quick turnaround, consider:
1. Broiler Chicken
Obviously everyone knows this would be on the list. Broilers grow fast and can be ready for market in 6 to 8 weeks. You can start now and have several cycles before December.
Even if you stock day-old chicks in August, they will be ready for sale in October to November.
And we all know Broiler market is hot cake by December Imagine how big they would be by then.
Demand for Broiler peaks during December festive season when Nigerians buy chicken in bulk. To kill chicken has become a tradition for Christmas in Nigeria and to enjoy the holidays as the year ends.
2. Rabbits:
Rabbits mature quickly about 3 to 4 months and are easy to rear with low space requirements. Rabbits grow fast and can be sold as meat, breeding stock or even pet by December. You can continue the business reserving a number for procreation and breeding.
3. Catfish Farming
Ideally, it is right to say catfishes are harvested in about 6 months, but if you start now, you might get your first harvest by December. Second target January then the last batch for Ed festival or Easter. Now is the right time.
Moreover, if properly fed and managed, it can take catfishes 3 to 4 months to mature.
Stock fingerlings now, you can harvest table-size fish (1kg+) by December. Catfishes are also in high demand during festive periods.
You should know that Nigerians consume over 370,000 metric tonnes of catfish yearly (FAO).
4. You can also Rear:
Goats: Goats take longer to mature but you can start breeding now for future income. Meat goats can be sold at any time if you rear them well.
Summary and Actions for You
Plant fast-growing crops like maize, groundnuts, pepper, and lettuce now. These can mature within 3 to 4 months, so you can harvest and sell by December.
Start broiler chicken farming or rabbit rearing now for quick income within 2 to 4 months.
Prepare your land well: Use good seeds, proper spacing, and mulching to retain moisture especially as Nigeria has varied climates.
Consider market demand: Focus on crops and animals that have steady buyers in your area. AgriAxis list is based on general observations.
Seek local agricultural extension services or centers for seeds, advice, and support. Many Nigerian states have agricultural development programs that can help you.
By focusing on these crops and animals, you can start farming now and expect to make money and cash out big by December 2025.
Other Smart Tips for Success
Irrigation: Rainy season is ending soon, so set up simple irrigation (watering cans, drip kits, or borehole) to avoid crop failure.
Market Planning: Start building your buyers list now (neighbors, market women, restaurants).
Choose Improved Varieties: You can use hybrid seeds (for maize, cucumber, okra) from certified agro dealers for faster growth.
Budget Realistically: Small-scale vegetable farming can start with 10 thousand naira to 50 thousand naira, while broiler farming needs 50 thousand naira to 300 thousand naira depending on scale.
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📊 Table: Crops & Animals You Can Start in Mid-August and Cash Out by December (Nigeria, 2025)
| Category | What to Farm | Duration (Days) | Harvest/Sale By | Expected Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Ugu (Fluted Pumpkin) | 30–45 days | Sept–Oct | 40–60% |
| Spinach (Efo Tete) | 30–40 days | Sept–Oct | 40–50% | |
| Lettuce | 45–60 days | Oct–Nov | 30–50% | |
| Okra | 60–75 days | Nov | 40–55% | |
| Cucumber | 50–70 days | Oct–Nov | 35–55% | |
| Cereals/Roots | Maize (early maturing) | 90–100 days | Dec | 30–50% |
| Sweet Potato | 100–120 days | Dec | 25–40% | |
| Legumes | Cowpea (Beans – early variety) | 75–90 days | Nov–Dec | 30–45% |
| Livestock | Broiler Chickens | 6–8 weeks | Oct–Nov | 25–40% |
| Catfish (fingerlings to table size) | 4 months | Dec | 20–35% | |
| Rabbits (breeding pair) | 3–4 months | Dec | 20–30% |
💡 Key Insights
- Vegetables are the best bet for quick cash flow. You can even plant in phases (every 2 weeks) so harvest is continuous.
- Broilers are perfect for December demand (Christmas/New Year meat). If you start in August, you can sell by late October or December peak season.
- Catfish is also good, but only if you can manage water properly.
- Maize & potatoes take longer but can still be harvested in December.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can start farming this August 2025 or even September 2025 and still harvest and sell by December in Nigeria. Focus on fast-maturing crops like vegetables, cucumber, okra, maize, and sweet potato, or livestock like broilers and catfish.
The festive season demand makes December one of the most profitable times for farmers. With the right crop or livestock choice, proper care, and good market access, you can cash out big before Christmas 2025.
👉 Farming is all about timing. Start now, stay committed, and December will reward your effort.
farming activities!
