No doubt, Nigeria is a blessed nation. It boasts of 40 million hectares of arable land, extensive river systems, and over 800 kilometres of coastline apart from inclement weather and other natural endowments.
As Nigerian farmers begin to welcome the rains and listening to the whistle to commence the 2025 planting season, the land is steadily approaching the core of the year’s rainy season, which usually starts from April to the end of October, and marks the season of heightened agricultural activities by farmers because of the absence of irrigation facilities for dry season farming in many parts of the country.
The wet season is characterised by low temperatures. Problems associated with wet season farming include pest and worm attacks. During this period, the country experiences heavy rainfall, which can be both a blessing and a curse for farmers. While the rain provides much-needed water for crops, it can also lead to flooding, soil erosion, and pest infestations.
Nigeria’s food system is already under pressure from climate change, rising input costs, and insecurity in key farming regions. Thus, the country cannot afford widespread planting failure. Farmers must, therefore, be ready to spend additional money for pesticides and fertilizers to control the impact of attacks and problems associated with climate change, it is important for farmers to study the changes and the type of seedlings to plant.
The common saying, ‘make hay while the sun shines’, applies here. This phrase is attributed John Heywood in his 1546 book of English Tudor. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had equally predicted a mostly normal rainy length this year across most parts of the country, with potential for early rainfall events, but delayed onset in some northern and central state, advising farmers not to rush planting, but to follow weather predictions.
There should be preparations for the planting season by identifying or securing suitable locations, especially for those new to farming, existing farms should begin their land preparation in relation to the type of crops they intend to cultivate while those clearing land should ensure they fire-trace the farms before burning to prevent fire outbreaks and in the surrounding areas.
They should wait until the rain stabilises for the farming season before planting by following weather reports at the start of the rainy season before planting. In the piece, Beware, this Rain, Not Your Rain, Not for Farming, FarmingFarmersFarms had reported that “Not all crops can survive the heat of the season, if you do not have solid irrigation plans in place.
Experienced farmers, when interacted with submitted that the onset of the rain is usually not enough to start planting, and anyone, who hastens to plant will likely have his crops roasted” – https://farmingfarmersfarms.
Farmers must study the soil and imbibe rotation planting after considering the movement of rain, as well as prepare for erosion that could wreck havoc. Rainy season planting could be desirable, but waiting to plant seedlings inside heavy rain could also be harmful as waterlogged crops could rot.
By taking proactive steps to prepare their soil, select the right crops, plant at the right time, and manage pests and diseases, farmers can maximise their crop yields and increase their overall productivity.
Farmers should embrace insurance for their farms with the relevant agency and reputable firms to mitigate loses, they should form and join cooperatives in order to secure some palliatives to cushion effect of loss that may arise ahead of rainy season farming. It is imperative for all stakeholders – farmers, state agricultural agencies, meteorologists, and media platforms – to intensify information sharing and education.
