Experts Warn Farmers Against Early Planting Amid Climate Uncertainty
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Despite sporadic rainfall across Nigeria in recent weeks, agricultural experts have cautioned farmers against rushing to plant, warning that early rainfall may not be an indication of a stable rainy season. Instead, they advise farmers to focus on land preparation while monitoring weather patterns carefully before sowing their crops. Lessons from Past Mistakes Farmers who planted too early last year suffered significant losses when rainfall patterns became irregular. To avoid a repeat of this, stakeholders urge farmers to exercise patience and wait for the rains to stabilize before planting. Dr. Babafemi Oke, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), South-West, advised farmers to avoid being misled by early showers. “Farmers should not rush to plant because of early rainfall. Experienced farmers understand that the first and second rains are not reliable for planting. The rains may not stabilize until the third downpour, so caution is needed,” he stated. Impact of Climate Change on Farming Oke attributed the unusual early rains to climate change, noting that rainfall, which typically starts in April, is now occurring as early as February in some parts of Nigeria. He emphasized the need for farmers to adapt by securing quality seeds from registered agencies such as ADPs and notable seed out-growers, while also applying effective fertilization and crop protection methods. “Farmers should always insure their farms with the relevant agencies. Forming cooperatives can also help them access palliatives to mitigate losses,” he added. Farmers Urged to Plan for Weather Variability Prince Adegbenro Nurudeen, an experienced farmer and lecturer, echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for farmers to study climate trends before deciding what to plant. “With food prices soaring, many farmers may be eager to plant. However, every farmer must consider climate variability when making planting decisions,” he advised. Nurudeen also highlighted the importance of soil study and crop rotation, as well as monitoring rainfall schedules across different geopolitical zones. He warned that some regions may experience excessive rain while others face drought-like conditions, making erosion control measures essential, especially in the South. Government Support Needed for Food Security Beyond climate-related challenges, Nurudeen stressed the urgent need for government intervention to support farmers. “Nigeria is facing food insecurity, and the government must invest more in agriculture. Farmers should be given interest-free loans, while seedlings and storage facilities should be provided to boost food production,” he said. He also called for improvements in rural infrastructure, particularly roads leading to farmlands. “Many farmers struggle with transporting their produce after harvest. Poor road networks remain a major problem, making it difficult to move raw food from farms to markets,” he noted. Final Advice to Farmers Experts agree that patience and preparation are key to avoiding unnecessary losses. Farmers are encouraged to wait for the rains to stabilize, adopt climate-smart practices, insure their farms, and advocate for better government support to ensure a successful planting season. Related Posts Market offers rent-now, pay-later answer to tenants. Prospective renters in Nigeria can now breathe a sigh of relief as a rental solution that simplifies renting and facilitates Read more Rwanda retreat: Nigerian governments discuss complex issues. The Nigerian governors will attend and participate in a three-day leadership retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, designed to provide a platform Read more Shaibu: I support Obaseki and seek governorship. Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State, has pledged to remain loyal to Edo State’s governor, Godwin Obaseki, despite Read more Citigroup expects more foreign investment in Nigeria and others despite FX turmoil. Citigroup Inc. has stated that Nigeria, Angola, and Kenya are among the African nations that are anticipated to attract more Read more Olawale Moses OyewoleOlawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.