Farmers have been advised not to rush to farm, to plant any seed after the first rain, but until after when they are sure that the rains are consistent, as the rainy season arrives. This piece of advice was given by an Agricultural Officer with the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mr. Jimoh Mubaraq, while featuring in an exclusive interview on the agricultural-centered programme, ‘Our Farmer’ on FUNAAB Radio 89.5FM. Mr. Mubaraq, who is an expert in grains and tuber crops production, said farmers should busy themselves, for now with the clearing of farmlands in preparation for the onset of the rains, when seeds could then be planted with a warning that anything contrary could lead to losses. He said, “I want to advise farmers, especially those who are in the grains and tuber sectors, not to rush to farm after first rain, to plant. What if the rains refuse to continue in their streak? This means all the seeds planted would be scorched by the hot weather, and they would die, bringing losses to such farmers.
Consequently, farmers must wait for experts’ advice from bodies like the Nigeria Meteorological Services (NIMET), which can give the pattern the rainy season would take for each year. He stressed that farmers should plant when the rains are consistent and steady, not one-off rain. “What the farmers should do now is to clear the farmlands they want to use, do the harrowing, prepare the ridges where necessary, and then wait for outset of the rains”, he maintained. Mr. Mubaraq stated further that getting ready quality seeds for planting was also another key factor in reaping bountiful harvest at the end of the planting season. He noted that after planting, the farmer must ensure that regular weeding was carried out and they should be aware of the right quantity and quality of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, or any other chemicals to apply on the crops to get good yield and ensure food safety.