By Abdulrahman Abdullahi
Nigeria farmers has been urged not to rush into farming as there will be an early rainfall this year, which after it stopped may result to severe dryness.
The call was made by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Siriki during the annual season climate prediction (SCP) 2021. He said that Nigeria will experience early rain, as early as March 1, 2021
The minister warns that farmers should not rush into planting because of the rain as long dry spell will consistently follows.
In his words, “A normal to above-normal rainfall amount is expected for most part of the country.
“however, below normal rainfall totals are expected over a few places in the north-western part of the country such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kano states.
“Pre-onset rainfall (false onset): Before the full establishment of the onset of the planting season over the various ecological zones, a couple of rainfall events are expected to occur which could be enormous and tend to give a false start of the season.
“Such rainfall events are not uncommon, however, their frequency seems to be on the rise. Some forcing functions have been observed to be likely responsible and will be monitored carefully and keep Nigerians informed. Farmers should therefore avoid early planting during this period to avoid loses.” Siriki stated.
He further disclosed that “severe dry spell is predicted over (Arewa Dandi, Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Augie) Kebbi, (Illela, Gada, Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni) Sokoto (Shinkafi, Birni Magaji, Maradun, Zurmi) Zamfara. (Kaita, Mashi, Mia’Adua, Katsina, Dutsi, Daura, Baure, Zango) Katsina. (Gwiwa, Yankwashi, Gumel, Birniwa, Sule-Tankarkar), and (Guri, Kiri, Kasama) in Jigawa.
