Agriculture
THE Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) have cautioned farmers against early planting due to the first rainfall of the year.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minna and its environs recorded the first rainfall for 2021 on March 20.
The rain which came with heavy storm started at 9.42 p.m. on Saturday and stopped at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Mr Pwajok Tok, the state Metrological Inspector, in an interview with NAN in Minna, said that the amount of rain was 2.0 millimeters.
“We have recorded the first rain in Minna and its environs for this 2021 on March 20.
“The rain which started at 9.42 p.m. on Saturday and stopped at 2 a.m. on Sunday marks the onset of rainfall in Minna and its environs,” he said.
Tok said that farmers can prepare their farmlands but not rush into planting now as the rain was not enough for such activity.
“I will advise our farmers to wait because this particular rain is not enough for planting.
“There is no guarantee for now that the rain will continue, so there is the need for caution,” he said.
Toks said that the rains this year would be normal or a bit early than normal.
Also, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state, urged farmers not to start planting now but to prepare their farmlands.
“The reason is that we are not sure that the rain will continue. We have to wait until sometime in April when the rain will stabilize then we can cultivate fully,” he said. (NAN)
– Mar. 23, 2021 @ 11:50 AM
Tags: AFAN caution Niger farmers on early planting First rain: NIMET
