As Rainy Season Begins, Farmers Should Not Ignore Weather Prediction

The commencement of the rainy season signals the start of wet season crop production in Nigeria, urging farmers to heed the forecasts provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for informed decision-making. The catastrophic effects of previous floods underscore the importance of weather forecasting in ensuring food security. NiMet’s 2024 seasonal forecast predicts variations in rainfall onset and cessation dates across regions, influencing planting and harvesting schedules.
Advice from NiMet guides farmers on crop selection, planting schedules, and water conservation techniques based on predicted weather patterns. Diversification of crops is recommended in central regions, while early planting is encouraged in areas with normal to short growing seasons. Coastal farmers are advised to prepare for potential flooding by exploring alternative livelihoods.
Governments are urged to facilitate timely input distribution and irrigation practices, seeking guidance from relevant agencies. Collaboration between stakeholders and adherence to traditional farming practices can mitigate climate-related risks and promote agricultural sustainability. Source: Daily Trust

OUR REVIEW
The onset of the rainy season marks the beginning of wet season crop production in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of the seasonal forecast provided by NiMet for informed decision-making among farmers. Reflecting on the devastating 2022 floods, which affected millions and destroyed farmland, underscores the necessity of weather forecasting for food security. NiMet’s 2024 predictions indicate variations in rainfall onset and cessation, influencing planting and harvesting schedules nationwide.
Farmers are advised on crop selection, planting schedules, and water conservation techniques tailored to predicted weather patterns. Diversification and early planting mitigate climate risks, while government support in input distribution and irrigation aligns with sustainable farming practices. Collaboration among stakeholders and adherence to traditional farming practices bolster resilience against climate-related hazards, fostering agricultural sustainability.