Niger State Government Advocates Climate-Smart Farming

The Niger State Government has called on farmers to implement climate-smart agricultural practices in response to changing rainfall patterns that threaten agricultural production. Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, made this appeal during a collaborative meeting in Minna, which included representatives from the Niger State Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and local farmers.

Ahmed noted the recent unusually heavy rainfall, contrary to expectations of reduced rainfall, as evidence of shifting weather patterns. He recommended the use of drought-resistant crop varieties, such as certain maize types that can endure dry spells of up to 40 days.

Additionally, he advised farmers to stagger their planting to mitigate losses from adverse weather conditions. Hashimu Garba, Director of Climate Change at the Niger State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the vulnerability of agriculture to unpredictable weather and called for increased awareness and adoption of climate adaptation measures.

The meeting concluded with a call for stronger climate information services and enhanced climate-resilient farming practices.