By George George Idowu and Faridat Salifu
Farmers in Nigeria particularly in the Northern part of the country are by now grappling with significant losses due to delayed rainfall which impacted negatively on their farming plan and anticipated high yields.
Earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of late rainfall in some parts of the country, a prediction that has severely affected the farming season in these areas.
A large-scale farmer in Kogi State, Chief Babaniyi Asorose, highlighted the challenges faced due to the drought. His yam seedlings, which cost him N500 each, largely failed to germinate, with only 30 percent of the crops sprouting.
“If you multiply the 70 percent of yam that didn’t germinate by N500 per one, you’ll appreciate the massive losses we’re facing,” Asorose lamented.
He added that the poor rainfall could have dire consequences for the nation’s food security, as this season’s yam harvest is almost entirely lost.
Similarly, Alhaji Muda Farouk, a mechanized farmer from Kano, shared his frustration over the late rains, which forced him to skip certain crops and rely on costly irrigation due to the dry conditions.
Farouk expressed concerns about a bleak harvest, potentially leading to a food crisis in Nigeria.
Farmers in Plateau State are also suffering from the effects of delayed rainfall, reporting poor crop yields. The situation has led to widespread concerns about this year’s food production and the rising prices of agricultural products.
In a recent announcement, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, confirmed NiMet’s earlier predictions, stating that the onset of rain in 2024 would be delayed in several parts of the country, particularly in north-central states.
Keyamo also noted that certain regions might experience an early end to the rainy season, further complicating farming efforts.
As a result of these challenging weather conditions, many farmers, especially those in the north-central region, have struggled to maintain their usual farming schedules, attributing their difficulties to the forecasted late rains.