Preparing for a challenging farming season: NiMet’s forecast and the need for proactive action

As the farming season beckons, Nigerian farmers are bracing themselves for a turbulent ride. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) forecast of a delayed and shorter rainy season has sent shockwaves across the agricultural community, threatening to upend the delicate balance of our food security.

With millions of farmers poised to plant their crops, the clock is ticking. Will our policymakers and stakeholders rise to the challenge, or will we reap a harvest of regret? According to NiMet, this year’s rainy season will commence later than usual, with the central states expecting the onset of rains around May 29 and the northern states around June 13.

Moreover, the season is predicted to end earlier than usual, between October 6 and November, in many states. This forecast raises concerns for farmers, as a shorter rainy season can lead to reduced crop yields and increased risk of drought.

To mitigate these challenges, NiMet advises planting early-maturing crop varieties at the beginning of the season. This is a wise recommendation, as it allows farmers to adapt to the predicted weather patterns and minimize potential losses.

With predictions ranging from October 6 to November, regions including Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Lagos are bracing for a shorter agricultural window. This forecast emphasised the critical importance of proactive planning and early adoption of fast-maturing crop varieties.

The essence of NiMet’s warning is clear: farmers must act swiftly to secure the necessary resources for a successful harvest. From fertilizers to seeds, the time to procure vital inputs is now, to mitigate potential setbacks and ensure a fruitful season. Traditionally, this period marks the commencement of government initiatives to facilitate the purchase and distribution of agricultural inputs. However, the silence on this front is deafening.

Instead of prioritising the long-term sustainability of agriculture, many officials seem fixated on short-term palliative measures, neglecting the imperative of future agricultural prosperity. As the countdown to the abbreviated season begins, the call to action grows louder. Farmers must seize the moment, equipping themselves for the challenges ahead, while policymakers must refocus their attention on fostering a resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.

Only through collective effort and foresight can we navigate the uncertain terrain ahead and ensure a bountiful harvest for all. As the federal government pledges to revamp the textile industry, Nigerian farmers are grappling with a more pressing concern – the exorbitant cost of fertilizers and other essential inputs. A bag of fertilizer now costs a staggering N48,000, forcing farmers to either purchase substandard products or resort to traditional alternatives, resulting in poor yields and revenue losses. The high costs of seeds, herbicides, pesticides, labour, and fuel have pushed small-holder farmers to the brink.

Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurances of support, including a promise to release 225,000 metric tons of fertilizers, seedlings, and other inputs in August 2023, concrete actions are yet to be seen. With food prices soaring nationwide, it is imperative that the government takes immediate steps to address the plight of farmers, who are crucial to the nation’s food security.

We urge the government to translate its promises into tangible support for farmers, including affordable access to quality inputs, to ensure a bountiful harvest and a food-secure future for Nigeria. We commend the Central Bank of Nigeria’s release of 2.15 million bags of fertilizer to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. However, it is alarming that there has been no update on the distribution of this vital commodity since the handover over a month ago.

Furthermore, we urge state governments to take their responsibilities in ensuring adequate input supply to farmers more seriously. We also call on the federal government to implement policies that facilitate the supply of fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs to the markets, thereby controlling rising prices.

The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative needs to be reviewed to ensure fertilizer blending plants resume production. Our farmers urgently need government support to access necessary inputs for successful cultivation. As the rains continue to falter, Nigerian farmers face an uphill battle. We urge the government to seed hope by providing essential resources – quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment – to help them weather the storm.

Climate-resilient agriculture initiatives and weather insurance schemes will also help farmers adapt and thrive. But, there’s a greater challenge to tackle – the menace of bandits and militias terrorizing farmers, forcing them off their lands, and threatening our food security.

It’s time for decisive action! The government must act swiftly to protect our farmers, their farms, and our collective future. Let’s join forces to cultivate a brighter tomorrow, where our farmers can plant, grow, and harvest without fear. The time to act is now, for the sake of our nation’s food security and stability. Let’s sow the seeds of resilience and reap a bountiful harvest for generations to come!