The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned farmers against early planting, describing recent rainfall across Oyo State as “deceptive” and likely to lead to crop failure through drought. 

Speaking at the ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast’ in Ibadan, the Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, advised that the true onset of the rainy season, the period when planting should officially commence, is expected between 15 April and the end of the month. 

He explained that a successful planting season is determined by soil moisture content reaching at least 50 per cent, providing the necessary nutrition and hydration for sustainable crop growth.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the agricultural sector, with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stating that weather advisories are essential for informed decision-making. 

Highlighting previous support, Olaleye noted that the state distributed 12,000 bags of fertiliser and subsidised the ploughing costs for approximately 30,000 hectares of land in 2025. 

This technical support is intended to mitigate economic uncertainty for rural farmers while enhancing the state’s overall food security framework.

Despite the government’s agricultural interventions, farmers’ representatives at the event raised serious concerns regarding the persistent threat of kidnappings and herder-farmer conflicts. 

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association in Oyo State, Mr Abass Adewunmi, urged the authorities to take decisive action against security threats that hinder cultivation and destroy produce. 

Additionally, veteran farmers like Pa Bamiji Alabi warned that the government must ensure the timely delivery of agricultural inputs, as delays in assistance often prevent farmers from fully capitalising on the optimal planting windows provided by meteorological experts.

Source: Punch
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