The Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has advised farmers in North West to plant early maturing seed varieties in compliance with the NIMET predictions for the 2024 rainfall season.
The Executive Director of the Institute, Prof. Ado Yusuf advised while interacting with newsmen on Monday in Zaria, Kaduna state.
Yusuf recalled NIMET had predicted that the 2024 wet season would be dryer than normal; some few states would witness early rainfall but for most states in the north, the rains would be late.
He explained that the first rain was different from the onset of the season in Nigeria.
Yusuf said based on the predictions, there may be a dry spell which may be extended beyond two weeks, especially in the northern states in the country.
“Farmers should delay a little before they commence planting until it is well established to avoid replanting; it was also predicted that there will be early cessation of rainfall in so many places.
“In some places, last rain may come around the first or second week of October which means the length of the rainy season is short, farmers should go for short duration crops,” he said.
The official added that the North-Central States that produce roots and tubers may also experience similar challenges. Farmers in the area should adopt diversification, he advised.
Yusuf said since the duration of the rain is going to be short, farmers in the north-central states should diversify with cereals.
The director advised those especially in the North-Western States to adopt moisture conservation techniques such as ridges.
He advised them to avoid zero or minimal tillage while strongly recommending that they avoid long ridges; and recommends enclosures for water retention.
The predictions hinted at hot temperatures, livestock farmers should get a lot of water for their animals, especially poultry.
NAN
