The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMet) has advised farmers to hold off on planting despite the recent showers recorded in parts of Oyo State, warning that the rainfall may give a false impression that the farming season has fully begun.
The caution was issued in Ibadan by the Oyo State Meteorological Manager of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, during a programme where the agency shared its 2026 seasonal weather outlook with farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
According to Udoh, the rainfall observed in recent days should not be taken as a signal for planting because the soil conditions are not yet suitable for crop growth. He explained that the appropriate period for planting depends on the official onset of rain, which is determined when soil moisture reaches about 50 per cent, a level considered adequate for crops to absorb nutrients and grow properly.
He stated that the expected onset of rainfall in the state is projected to fall between April 15 and the end of April, urging farmers across the 33 local government areas to rely on the agency’s forecast before beginning cultivation.
Udoh noted that premature planting could expose crops to dry spells that may affect yields, stressing the importance of following weather advisories issued for the coming agricultural season.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the government remains committed to strengthening agriculture and improving farmers’ productivity. He explained that the weather outlook would help farmers decide the most suitable time to plant and better prepare for the season.
Olaleye also outlined some of the government’s interventions in the sector. He disclosed that about 12,000 bags of fertiliser were distributed to farmers in 2025, while land preparation costs for nearly 30,000 hectares were subsidised to ease the financial burden on farmers.
The chairman of the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Abass Adewunmi, called on authorities to address the recurring clashes between farmers and herders, noting that the conflict continues to disrupt agricultural activities in many communities.
Adewunmi further encouraged cassava growers not to be discouraged by the recent decline in cassava prices, urging them to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season to expand cultivation.
