By Omotayo Edubi
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicated farmers’ preparedness for early rain and farming activities.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika had already done a public presentation of the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) last week in Abuja.
Speaking to NatureNews correspondent on how far farmers have prepared themselves for this Prediction, the General Manager (Agro mgmt.), Haruna Zakari said: “Prediction is circulated by downscaling the SCP to states and their local governments, when such states indicate their interest from the invitation extended during national presentation. Also through partners working with NiMet and through other stakeholders’ engagements
”The SCP in itself is an incentive to the farmers to prepare early and confidently for the season, reducing their risk and maximizing yield.
”Major advantage is application of the SCP by our farmers at farm level from onset to reduce risk of loss at planting, using the right crop variety to reduce crop loss and maximise yield. Also to reduce in-season crop loss due to dry spell and also targeting the right harvesting window and also maximise their yield.”
He also stated that crops to be planted are dependent on location but the SCP gives farmers an idea on what crop to plant as an early planning tool. In addition, the downscale will give further insight to location specific Crops.
He further advised that farmers should adhere strictly to the 2022 SCP and apply it totality in their operations for the season.
Also, speaking to a farmer that has a farm in Epe, Lagos State, he confirmed the information and also solicited for security in farms.
“I think rain coming early is okay, I heard the NiMet predictions.
“Rain affects crops productivity either ways, too much of it could be good or bad and less of it could be good or bad too, for farming activity to be effective, rain has to fall at the right time quantity,” he said.
He also solicited for the Government to give farmers access to loans and proper security to enable them work properly.
In his words, ” When there is no security, there is no business striving because everything becomes stagnant because farmers are scared to work because of insecurity.
He also advised that the government should put infrastructure in place and make farms an employable environment.