By Grace Samuel
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted farmers in Nigeria on how to go about their planting this year in order to achieve bounty harvest.
NiMET urged farmers to adopt approaches that would withstand the changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures across the country by following the forecasts earlier provided by it. This was contained in its latest on weather conditions update.
The agency said farmers in regions with a shorter growing season are advised to plant early and opt for early-maturing crop varieties. It also suggested using drought-tolerant and early-maturing varieties in the northern areas, while regions anticipating an early dry spell should delay planting their crops.
For areas expected to face moderate to severe dry spells, NiMet suggests selecting drought-tolerant crop varieties.
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Also, NiMET advised farmers in the central zone of the country, to vary the types of crops they grow and buy agricultural supplies on time before the planting season, while crop farmers are encouraged to use strategic irrigation in the mornings and evenings.
In order to protect poultry from the hot period which it forecasted between February to May, NiMet suggested reducing the number of birds in enclosures and improving ventilation.
It also recommended regular deworming for ruminant livestock, and the use of antibiotics.
“It’s important for pig farmers to remain on high alert for African swine year-round and enforce strict biosecurity protocols to safeguard their herds.
“For fish farmers in regions where warmer weather is expected, it is recommended to reduce feeding and dredge ponds to ensure sufficient water capacity.
Thoroughly cleaning of fish ponds on a regular basis is especially vital during hot periods. Routine deworming is crucial for ruminant animals, and dairy cows can benefit from antibiotics to prevent udder mastitis,” NiMET stated.
