NIMET Cautions Oyo Farmers Against Early Planting

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has issued a warning to farmers in Oyo State against early planting due to what it describes as "deceptive" February rains. Emmanuel Udoh, the meteorological manager, advised during a program on Monday in Ibadan that farmers should wait until the onset of the rains, which is expected to begin on April 15 and end in April.

Farmers are urged to ensure that soil moisture content reaches 50% before planting to support crop growth. The agency emphasized that recent rainfall in the state is not suitable for planting, cautioning farmers not to be tempted to start early.

Olasunkanmi Olaley, from the Oyo State Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of the weather forecast for farmers' decision-making. Additionally, Abass Adewunmi, chairman of the farmers' association, called for government action to enhance security measures against threats from kidnappers and roaming herders that disrupt agricultural activities.

The state government is also distributing 12,000 bags of fertilizer to assist farmers.