Ekiti State government has urged farmers to adhere strictly to the predicted rain onset dates issued by the Nigerian Meteorology Agency, NiMet, before carrying out rainfed farming operations.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, disclosed that NiMet’s forecast for 2025 suggests an early onset of rain in the southern part of the country.
He said this should make farmers and investors start early land preparation, acquisition of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, “but should however not plant before the establishment of the rains.”
According to the commissioner, the recent NiMet Seasonal Rain Prediction also indicates that Ekiti State is expected to have onset of rain by mid-April.
Boluwade advised poultry farmers to lower their stocking density during the heat stress period between February and April, adding that, ” the floor of the pens should always be kept dry to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, as well as fungi common during the wet season.”
He explained that the advice is based on the agency’s weather forecast for the year.
The commissioner disclosed that plans have reached an advanced stage for the state government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with NiMet for a successful step down and aftercare delivery of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, for farmers and investors.
He said both parties are desirous of improving crops yield and farming systems with the adaptation of climate change for sustainable agricultural and economic development.
The commissioner assured that the state government would carry out massive sensitisation of farmers towards achieving optimal yield in the year.
He said, “Agricultural Development Project, ADP, and Fadama extension officers would visit farmers in their farmsteads, communities and local government areas to properly inform and educate them on how to maximally utilise NiMet’s prediction to the benefit of all stakeholders.”