NIMET warns Borno, Yobe farmers against early plantings

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has warned farmers in Borno State against early planning of crops, despite last Saturday’s heavy rain and windstorm that lasted for an hour in Maiduguri, the state capital.

NIMET’s Northeast Coordinator, Mr. Sabo Bitrus, gave the warning yesterday at the weather station of Maiduguri International Airport.

He said the planting of crops in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolitan Councils (MMC), was ill-timed, as last Saturday’s rainfall was inadequate to commence farming activities, such tilling of farmlands to planting various crops and vegetables.

“We are calling on farmers in Borno to hold on a little,” adding that farmers must wait for the actual commencement of the rainy season before planting their crops.

He stated: “It is true that we have witnessed rainfall recently in some parts of Borno and Yobe states, but we must understand that this does not mean that the rainy season has commenced.

“Before you can correctly say that the season has commenced, a specific amount of rainfall must have fallen and stabilised with sustained soil moisture for crops planting and tilling of farmlands and orchards.”

Bitrus further disclosed that the onset for this year’s cropping season in Borno is usually around June 20 of every year.

“In essence and in compliance with weather patterns for tilling and plantings, farmers must wait till June 20, when the actual rainy season has stabilised, before they can go to their farmlands to commence cultivation and planting of crops and vegetables,” he said.