Some farmers in Gombe State have expressed concerns over erratic rainfall affecting crop production.
A cross-section of farmers, who spoke in separate interviews on Wednesday, described the situation as frustrating and alarming.
Mrs. Joy Ayuba, a maize grower, expressed apprehension over inadequate rains, noting that her plantation wilted in recent weeks.
She said she planted millet and maize in the first week of June, but the lack of rain caused the crops to wilt.
READ ALSO: Farmers push for better pineapple value-chain development
“We saw rainfall only twice in June, and then it stopped. This is really bad, as many farmers are already losing crops,” she said.
Another farmer, Hassan Kwami, said the unpredictable rainfall pattern is a concern and a threat to food security.
He added that farmers in Kwami community are re-planting to combat crop loss caused by the dry spell.
Kwami urged the government to deploy extension workers to educate farmers on weather information and climate change mitigation.
An extension agent, Mr. Ibrahim Abubakar, stated that erratic rains have serious consequences on farmlands and farmers’ income.
He said many farmers have approached him about the inadequate rains, which have impacted cropping and reduced productivity.
Abubakar advised farmers to use early-maturing seeds to replant and avoid losses.
Dr. Musa Arab, an agronomist, warned that climate change’s impact on agriculture is worsening in the state.
He called on the government to invest more in dry season farming to complement rainfed agriculture and improve food security.
