Ekiti State Government has urged farmers in the state to adhere strictly to the predicted rain onset dates issued by the Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NiMet) before commencing rainfed farming operations in 2025.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday disclosed that the NiMet’s forecast for the year 2025 suggests an early onset of rain in the southern parts of the country.
He said this should make farmers and investors start early land preparation, acquisition of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, “but should however not plant before the establishment of the rains.”
According to the commissioner, recent NiMet Seasonal Rain Prediction also indicates that Ekiti State is expected to have onset of rain by mid-April.
Boluwade also advised poultry farmers to lower their stocking density during the heat stress period between February and April, adding that, ” the floor of the pens should always be kept dry to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria as well as fungi common during the wet season.”
He explained that the advice is based on the Nigerian Meteorology Agency’s weather forecast for the year.
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The Commissioner disclosed that plans have reached an advanced stage for the state government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NiMet for a successful step down and aftercare delivery of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for the farmers and investors.
He said both parties are desirous of working on improving crops yield and farming systems by adaptation of climate change for sustainable agricultural and economic development in the entire farming areas of the state.
The commissioner assured that the state government would carry out massive sensitization of farmers in the State towards achieving optimal yield in the year.
He said, “Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and Fadama extension officers would visit the farmers in their farmsteads, communities and Local Government Areas to properly inform and educate farmers on how to maximally utilize the NiMet’s prediction to the benefit of all stakeholders.”
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