The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned farmers against early planting, describing recent February rainfall in parts of the country as “deceptive.”
The agency cautioned that farmers who begin planting too early risk crop losses due to possible drought conditions.
The warning came from Emmanuel Udoh, the Oyo State Meteorological Manager of NiMet.
He spoke on Monday during a programme titled “Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State” held in Ibadan.
Udoh explained that the official onset of rainfall for the 2026 planting season in the state will occur between April 15 and the end of April.
He noted that farmers should wait until the soil moisture reaches the required level before planting crops.
Soil Moisture Determines Right Time to Plant
According to the NiMet official, the correct time for planting begins when soil moisture content reaches 50 percent.
At that level, crops can access enough water for proper nutrition and growth.
He stressed that the recent rainfall recorded in some areas does not yet meet the conditions needed for successful planting.
Therefore, farmers should avoid rushing to plant crops.
Farmers Urged to Follow Weather Advisories
Udoh advised farmers across the 33 local government areas in Oyo State to follow NiMet’s weather advisories closely.
He said the guidance will help farmers plan their planting activities properly and avoid crop failure during the growing season.
Oyo Government Reaffirms Support for Agriculture
The Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also highlighted government efforts to support farmers.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said weather forecasts will help farmers make better decisions during the planting season.
He added that the government distributed about 12,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers in 2025.
The state also subsidised the ploughing of about 30,000 hectares of farmland, according to the commissioner.
Farmers’ representatives at the event also raised concerns about security challenges affecting agricultural activities.
The chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the state, Abass Adewunmi, urged the government to address conflicts between farmers and herders.
He said roaming herders and kidnappers continue to threaten farmers and damage crops in several communities.
A farmers’ leader in Akinyele Local Government Area, Bamiji Alabi, also called for timely government support for farmers.
He warned that delays in providing farm inputs and assistance could slow agricultural productivity.
Farmers Encouraged to Continue Cassava Farming
Adewunmi encouraged cassava farmers not to lose hope despite the recent drop in cassava prices.
He advised them to prepare for the coming rainy season and take advantage of the planting period to cultivate more cassava.
