The Oyo State branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has appealed to the state government for support in providing irrigation facilities to help farmers grow food crops throughout the year.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan about the challenges confronting farmers, the association’s chairman, Mr. Adewumi Abass, emphasized the need for irrigation due to inconsistent rainfall in 2025.
Abass noted that although flooding had been forecasted in several states, including Oyo, rainfall in the region had been erratic.
“Some areas of the state have received rainfall while others have not. It appears the rainy season is slipping away. In Nigeria, we typically have two main planting seasons — the rainy and the dry seasons. The rainy season usually begins around late March or early April. However, as we are now in the first week of May, the expected rainfall has not occurred,” he explained.
Mr. Adewumi Abass, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State, has highlighted changes in seasonal patterns, noting that what was traditionally known as the August break has shifted to June and July. According to him, this shift is affecting the timing of dry season farming.
“We’re in May, yet rainfall remains inconsistent—some areas receive it, while others don’t. If the government truly intends to support us, irrigation farming is the solution. Authorities should explore ways to assist farmers, perhaps by offering irrigation equipment on installment plans. This would enable year-round crop cultivation,” Abass said.
Abass, who also serves as Acting Chairman of AFAN for the South West region, urged government intervention in resolving the security issues plaguing farmers, especially conflicts between farmers and herders.
He further appealed to security agencies in the state to intensify patrol efforts around farming communities to ensure farmers can work in safety.
Abass also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for pledging to subsidize 50% of the cost incurred by farmers per acre of cultivated land.
Additionally, he acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) for its continued support through the provision of farming inputs to farmers in the state.
