NIMET, the Nigerian Meterological Agency, has cautioned against early planting. The reason? Depective and unfamiliar rainfall patterns. Farmers are advised to hold out on planting, despite an initial rainfall in the month of February.
Typically, the first rainfall of the year spurs excitement among Nigerian farmers. However, the weather agency in the country suggests toning things down. The recent pattern of rainfall experienced in the month of February has been unusal. This has led to scientific speculations about the chances of early and steady rainfall.
Local farmers are encouraged to hold off for about a month more. According to the release, rainfall beneficial for the planting season will likely start in the fourth month being April. Mr Emmanuel Udoh, the Oyo State Meteorological Manager, gave the advice during a programme titled ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State.’
“The variable we look at is when the soil moisture content is up to 50 per cent, which is enough for crops to use for nutrition and growth.", he said. He indicated the start of helpful rainfall to be between April 15th to the end of the same month. “That’s what the agency calls the ‘onset of rain,’ and this is the right time farmers should start planting,”
The rainfall situation and corresponding information concerns every state in the country, even though farming advisories were issued to 33 local governments in Ibadan. Farmers must keep close contacts with farming associations and groups in their locality to remain updated. They could also look out for government support and initiatives during this period.