Climate change: Farmers asked to plant improved seeds over low rainfall

Midala Anuhu, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) head of operations in Adamawa, has advised farmers to use improved-seed varieties to avoid challenges as a result of low rainfall forecast for the 2021 farming season.

In an interview with NAN on Thursday in Yola, Anuhu said based on predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) the rains may cease on October 9 because of climate change and those who planted late may not get yields as expected.

“There is a need for the farmers to understand the situation for them to realize a good harvest,’’ Anuhu said.

He said the agency will soon commence the sensitisation of residents on the need to be alert during the rainy season and also advised people in flood-prone areas to be on the alert to avoid loss of lives and property. 

Earlier this year, in February, NIMET predicted that rains might cease earlier than usual in some parts of the country thereby shortening the growing season for farmers. 

In its seasonal climate prediction document, the agency stated that “the 2021 length of the growing season is expected to span between 110 days in the extreme north and over 300 days in the south”.