The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned farmers not to begin planting crops too early, cautioning that recent rainfall may be misleading and could lead to drought conditions.
The Meteorological Manager for Oyo State, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, issued the warning on Monday in Ibadan during a programme titled ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State.’
Udoh, while giving guidance for the upcoming farming season, explained that the expected onset of rainfall for 2026—an indicator that determines the appropriate period for planting—will begin between April 15 and the end of April.
“The variable we look at is when the soil moisture content is up to 50 per cent, which is enough for crops to use for nutrition and growth.
“That’s what the agency calls the ‘onset of rain,’ and this is the right time farmers should start planting,” he said.
He stressed that the recent showers recorded in parts of the state are not suitable for cultivation and warned farmers not to be tempted to begin planting prematurely.
Udoh also urged farmers to follow the advisories issued on the onset of rainfall across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the government would continue to prioritise agricultural development in the state.
Olaleye noted that weather forecast advisories for the planting season provide farmers with vital information on the best time to begin cultivation, helping them make informed decisions.
He also highlighted government support for the agricultural sector, stating that about 12,000 bags of fertiliser were distributed to farmers in 2025. “The cost of ploughing for approximately 30,000 hectares of land was also subsidised,” the commissioner added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that representatives of farmers at the event urged the state government to strengthen security so that farmers can cultivate their land without fear of kidnappings or attacks by roaming herders who destroy farms.
The chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr Abass Adewunmi, called on the government to take decisive steps to resolve recurring conflicts between herders and farmers, which have been affecting agricultural activities.
Adewunmi also encouraged cassava farmers not to be discouraged by the recent fall in cassava prices but to use the forthcoming rainy season to increase production.
Similarly, Pa Bamiji Alabi, a farmers’ leader in Akinyele Local Government Area, stressed the importance of timely government assistance, warning that delays in providing farm inputs and other support could slow farmers’ progress.