By Faridat Salifu
A Bauchi-based agronomist, Nuru Masa, has called on farmers across the country to leverage the predictions and forecasts provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to make more informed decisions on crop selection and management practices.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Masa emphasized that NiMet’s weather insights, especially regarding rainfall patterns, can significantly enhance farming strategies and boost food security.
Masa highlighted the growing unpredictability of the climate, including erratic rainfall patterns, which pose challenges for farmers.
He advised them to consider a variety of crops with different maturation times—early, medium, and late maturing varieties—based on NiMet’s seasonal outlook. This, he said, would help farmers adjust their planting schedules and improve the likelihood of successful harvests.
“Farmers must adapt their practices to the changing climate,” Masa explained, noting the importance of proper planning in transitioning between the wet and dry seasons.
He stressed that successful crop production involves several critical steps, such as careful site selection, land preparation, effective pest and disease control, irrigation, and timely harvesting.
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Masa also pointed out that different seasons require distinct farming techniques, such as the types of ridges to use during the dry season, which differ from those needed for wet season farming.
He further stressed the importance of providing the right growing conditions for crops, including adequate water, nutrients, and pest control, to ensure strong crop establishment and high yields.
“Farmers should understand crop maturity indicators and harvest at the optimal time for the best quality and yield,” Masa added, cautioning against relying solely on visual signs like crop greening, which do not always signal physiological readiness for harvest.
The expert also identified soil fertility, moisture levels, and climate as key factors that influence crop production. He urged farmers to ensure soil suitability for the crops they intend to plant and to employ proper fertilization and water management techniques.
Masa further recommended that farmers take advantage of agricultural extension services to access expert guidance on best practices and improve their pest and disease management strategies.
He also emphasized the importance of enhancing entrepreneurial skills to help farmers become more resilient and profitable in the face of changing environmental conditions.
By aligning farming practices with NiMet’s forecasts and improving overall farm management, Masa believes that farmers can better navigate climate challenges and contribute to national food security.
Source:Environ News
