Oyo Govt trains 22,370 farmers on soil, climate change
The Oyo State Government has trained 22,370 farmers on soil management, climate change adaptation, and weather forecasting to enhance agricultural productivity across the state. This is as Governor ’Seyi Makinde received commendation for his administration’s commitment to advancing agriculture through training programmes.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), led by its Chairman, Mr Adewumi Abass, praised the initiative on Wednesday following a government-organised session in Ibadan to present the 2025 Seasonal Climate Predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Abass emphasised that the training is crucial for helping farmers understand environmental factors affecting their work, thereby improving agricultural productivity.
“We are delighted that the Governor Makinde-led administration is prioritising this kind of training for farmers. It equips us with knowledge about our environment’s ecology, enabling us to make informed decisions about what to plant, which animals to rear, and when to cultivate specific crops across the state,” he said.
He noted that erratic rainfall patterns in recent years have made farming more unpredictable, but NiMet’s forecasting will help farmers strategically plan their activities for better yields.
“With the changing weather patterns, farmers can no longer be sure when the rains will come or stop. However, through NiMet’s seasonal predictions, we can anticipate rainfall patterns and schedule our farming activities accordingly. This will ensure better crop yields and sustainable farming practices,” Abass added.
Addressing attendees, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that the training was part of the state government’s strategic agricultural plan. The programme aims to help farmers prepare for climatic conditions in 2025 and adopt best agricultural practices based on scientific data.
“This initiative serves two main purposes. First, we are presenting the 2025 seasonal climate predictions by NiMet so that farmers can plan when to plant, when to expect drought, and how to adapt to climate conditions,” he said.
“The farmers will also learn about drought-resistant crops, irrigation techniques, and best planting seasons, helping them boost productivity in 2025.”
Additionally, the government has conducted soil testing in 100 communities across Oyo State. The findings were shared with farmers, and over 22,000 of them were trained on how to respond to soil test results.
“We analysed soil quality in 100 communities to determine what nutrients are lacking and what fertilisers or crops would be most suitable for each area,” Olaleye explained.
“These results will also be uploaded to a dedicated website, allowing potential investors and commercial farmers to access crucial information on soil fertility in different locations across the state.”
The seasonal climate predictions serve as an early warning system, providing farmers with key information on: Rainy season onset and cessation; Annual rainfall projections; Potential dry spell occurrences; Temperature variations.
According to NiMet’s 2025 climate predictions, Oyo State will experience varied dry spell conditions across different local government areas.
Professor Morufat Balogun, a Lead Scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), reassured farmers of the reliability of NiMet’s forecasts, citing 95 per cent accuracy in 2024.
“NiMet has provided highly reliable climate predictions. In 2024, their forecasts were 95 percent accurate, and farmers should trust these insights,” she stated.
“The data indicates that the southern part of the country will experience a longer first planting season and a shorter second season. Farmers are advised not to rush to plant with the first rains but wait until April, when rainfall will be more stable.”
She also urged farmers to adopt climate-smart techniques, including: Moisture conservation through mulching; Water storage solutions for irrigation; Early-maturing and drought-resistant crop varieties; Alternative income sources to mitigate climate-related losses.
Additionally, she encouraged farmers to stay in contact with NiMet for updates and take advantage of its advisory services.
By integrating scientific forecasting, soil analysis, and farmer education, the Oyo State government is positioning the agricultural sector for higher productivity and resilience against climate change.
With Governor Makinde’s administration prioritising data-driven agricultural policies, the state is expected to see improved food security, increased investor confidence, and sustainable farming practices in the coming years.
