NIMET Warns Against Early Planting Due to ‘Deceptive’ February Rains

News in brief:

-NiMet has warned farmers not to plant crops yet, describing the recent February rainfall as deceptive and unsuitable for farming.

-The agency says the proper onset of rains in Oyo State is expected between April 15 and the end of April.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned farmers against early planting of crops, warning that recent rainfall in parts of Oyo State is 'deceptive' and unsuitable for cultivation.

The warning was issued by the Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Emmanuel Udoh, during a programme titled Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State held in Ibadan.

Mid-April Marks Expected Planting Period

Udoh explained that the official onset of rainfall, which signals the appropriate time for planting, is expected between April 15 and the end of April.

He noted that the onset of rain is determined when soil moisture content reaches about 50 per cent, a level considered adequate for crop nutrition and growth.

According to him, recent rainfall events should not be mistaken for the beginning of the planting season.

Government Highlights Agricultural Support

Also speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the state government remains committed to strengthening agricultural development.

He noted that weather forecast advisories help farmers determine the most suitable time for planting and make informed decisions during the farming season.

Olaleye added that the government had supported farmers in 2025 by distributing about 12,000 bags of fertiliser and subsidising ploughing costs for roughly 30,000 hectares of farmland.

Farmers Call for Improved Security

Meanwhile, representatives of farmers at the event urged the government to strengthen security measures to enable farmers cultivate their land without fear of kidnappings or farm destruction.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state, Abass Adewunmi, called for decisive action to resolve conflicts between farmers and herders, which he said have disrupted agricultural activities.

A farmers’ leader in Akinyele Local Government Area, Bamiji Alabi, also emphasised the importance of timely government support, warning that delays in providing farming inputs could hinder agricultural productivity.

He further encouraged cassava farmers to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season to expand cultivation despite recent price declines in cassava markets.