NiMet Urges Timed Planting as 2026 Rainy Season Set to Arrive Soon

News in Brief:

-NiMet has advised farmers to align planting dates with the projected early onset of the 2026 rainy season in southern and central states to maximise moisture during critical crop growth stages.

-The agency also warned against false rain starts and possible mid-season dry spells, urging farmers to use early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties where necessary.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has advised farmers across the country to align their planting calendars with projected rainfall patterns in 2026, warning that proper timing will be critical to achieving good yields.

In its latest Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), NiMet issued guidance to stakeholders in agriculture, aviation, transportation, and power, noting that several southern and central states are expected to witness an early onset of rains next year.

According to the agency, coastal states such as Lagos and Cross River are likely to experience the onset of rainfall between late February and mid-April 2026. Similar early rains are expected in parts of Benue, Oyo, Kogi, and Ekiti. Farmers in these areas are encouraged to take advantage of the early start by planting at the appropriate time to ensure crops fully utilise available moisture.

Why Timing Matters for Crop Development

Rainfall is not just important for germination; it plays a crucial role at multiple stages of crop growth. Adequate moisture during planting ensures proper seed germination and uniform crop establishment. As crops move into vegetative growth, consistent rainfall supports leaf development and root expansion, which determine the plant’s overall vigour.

More critically, moisture is essential during the flowering and grain filling stages. If rains stop too early or dry spells occur during grain filling in crops such as maize, rice, and sorghum, yields can drop significantly, and grain quality may decline. NiMet therefore advised farmers to plant early in areas expecting early rains so crops can reach maturity before the dry season sets in.

However, the agency also cautioned against “false starts,” early rainfall events that do not signal the true beginning of the rainy season. Planting after isolated showers, without confirmation of consistent rainfall, could expose crops to moisture stress if the rains pause for several weeks.

Regional Variations and Dry Spell Warnings

Northern states are expected to begin experiencing rains by mid-June 2026, with cessation projected between October and early November. In contrast, southern coastal and inland states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, may continue receiving rainfall until November or December.

Farmers should also prepare for possible dry spells between July and August in parts of Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, and Lagos. These intermittent breaks in rainfall can affect sensitive crop stages if not properly managed.

To reduce risks, NiMet advised farmers who may face shortened rainy seasons to adopt drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties. Matching crop choice and planting dates with reliable rainfall windows, the agency stressed, remains one of the most effective ways to protect yields and safeguard livelihoods in 2026.