Ahead of the 2025 planting season, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has issued a strong advisory to local farmers, urging them to closely follow the predictions and directives from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This comes in response to rising concerns over potential disruptions in crop harvests due to delayed planting seasons caused by climate change.
Mr. Femi Oke, the Chairman of AFAN for Lagos State and the Southwest zone, emphasized that despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, farmers can still achieve robust productivity if they adhere to the guidelines provided by NiMet regarding the changing climatic conditions.
He highlighted that reports from the agency indicate the likelihood of flooding during the middle and later parts of the year, which could significantly affect crop yields if farmers are not vigilant.
“NiMet’s forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall is expected in the latter part of the year, and we advise farmers not to be too eager to plant at the first sign of rain,” Oke cautioned.
He recalled that in previous years, there were delays in the arrival of the rains, which ultimately came in full force around May and June, after initial postponements. Therefore, he emphasized that farmers should be patient and not rush into planting.
Oke also urged farmers to prioritize early land preparation. He stressed that preparations for crop cultivation should have begun as early as December 2024, allowing enough time to properly ready the land for planting.
For those with established plantations, he assured them that the delay in rainfall should not be a cause for concern, as they can continue with land ploughing and cultivation.
For farmers in areas equipped with irrigation systems or those farming in swampy or marshy regions, Oke noted that planting could commence earlier.
However, for most farmers, it is crucial to wait until the rains are consistent before starting the planting process.
While reaffirming that current climate conditions align with NiMet’s earlier predictions, Oke remained optimistic that, with careful planning and adherence to the forecasts, farmers could still secure a successful harvest in 2025.
He also commended NiMet for its timely support in guiding farmers through the challenges posed by changing weather conditions.
However, Oke called on the agency to enhance its outreach by disseminating vital information in local languages such as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik, and others, to ensure it reaches farmers in rural and remote areas.
He noted that local dialects would help increase comprehension among farmers who might struggle with official communications in English.
“We appreciate the guidance from NiMet, but to ensure that all farmers, especially those in rural areas, receive and understand the information, it is crucial that these updates be made available in local languages,” Oke stated.
He concluded by urging all farmers to continue relying on NiMet’s expert predictions and advice before making any planting decisions.
