Farmers in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states are assessing their options, sequel to Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET’s predictions of early commencement of rainfall this year.
They noted that, considering past experiences, appropriate timing of when to start planting crops was paramount. While others said early planting of crops was a wise idea, others argued that such a move was never a sensible option, because there could be a period of dry spell, or excessive rainfall.
The farmers, however, urged the authorities to play their part, by ensuring the provision of farm inputs early enough, to enable farmers to take the appropriate decision as to when to commence planting.
They also said early or late planting of crops had its advantages and disadvantages, saying the situation and rain pattern must be followed carefully.
Chairman, Maize Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Auwal Abdullahi, said farmers, who commenced planting early last year following similar NIMET predictions, lost 70 percent of their crops due to excessive downpours.
