The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has cautioned farmers against early planting of crops to avoid drought, describing recent rainfall as ‘deceptive’.
The Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Udoh gave the advice in Ibadan during a programme titled, ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State’.
Udoh, while providing advisories to guide farmers in the coming season, said that the 2026 onset of rain, which determines the start of planting, begins from April 15 to the end of April. “The variable we look at is when the soil moisture content is up to 50%, 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 emphasised that recent rainfalls in some parts of the state are not suitable for planting. Hence, farmers should not be tempted to start planting.
The manager urged farmers to heed the advice and follow the advisories issued regarding the onset of rain across the 33 local government areas in the state.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the government would continue to prioritise the development of agriculture in the state.
Olaleye explained that weather forecast advisories for the planting season would provide farmers with crucial information on the best time to start planting and assist them in making informed decisions. He also highlighted the state government’s support for agriculture, saying that in 2025, about 12,000 bags of fertiliser were distributed to farmers. “The cost of ploughing for approximately 30,000 hectares of land was also subsidised”, the commissioner added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that farmers’ representatives at the event urged the state government to strengthen security measures to allow cultivation without the threat of kidnappings or attacks by roaming herders, who allegedly destroy farms.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association in the state, Mr. Abass Adewunmi urged the government to take decisive action to resolve conflicts between herders and farmers, which he said have been affecting agricultural activities.
Adewunmi also encouraged cassava farmers not to be disheartened by the recent drop in cassava prices, but to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season to plant more cassava.
A farmers’ leader in the Akinyele Local Government Area, Mr. Bamiji Alabi emphasised the need for timely government support, warning that delays in providing inputs and other forms of assistance would hinder farmers’ progress.
