The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned farmers against early planting of crops to avoid risks from drought, describing the recent rainfall as “deceptive”.
The Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, gave this advice on Monday in Ibadan during a programme titled ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State’.
While providing advisories to guide farmers in the upcoming farming season, Udoh said the 2026 onset of rains—which marks the start of the planting season—will occur between April 15 and the end of April.
“The key variable we monitor is when soil moisture content reaches 50 per cent, which is sufficient for crops to germinate, take up nutrients, and grow.
“That is what the agency defines as the ‘onset of rain’, and this is the appropriate time for farmers to begin planting,” he explained.
He stressed that the recent rainfalls in some parts of the state are not sufficient for planting, warning farmers not to be tempted to start early.
The manager urged farmers to heed the information and follow the advisories issued regarding the onset of rains across the 33 local government areas in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the government would continue to prioritize the development of agriculture in the state.
Olaleye explained that the weather forecast advisories for the planting season would equip farmers with critical information on the best time to plant and help them make informed decisions.
He also highlighted the state government’s support for agriculture, noting that in 2025, about 12,000 bags of prioritize were distributed to farmers.
“The cost of ploughing for approximately 30,000 hectares of land was also subsidized,” the commissioner added.
Farmers’ representatives at the event urged the state government to strengthen security measures to enable them to cultivate their farms without fear of kidnapping or attacks from roaming herders who destroy crops.
The chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state, Mr Abass Adewunmi, called on the government to take decisive action to resolve conflicts between herders and farmers, which have been disrupting agricultural activities.
Adewunmi also encouraged cassava farmers not to be discouraged by the recent drop in cassava prices, but to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season to plant more.
Pa Bamiji Alabi, a farmers’ leader in Akinyele Local Government Area, emphasized the need for timely government support, warning that delays in providing inputs and other assistance would hinder farmers’ progress.
