Prepare for heavy rain, firm urges farmers

Farmers across Nigeria have been urged to prepare for heavy rain and not to rush into full-scale planting despite the recent onset of rainfall

The Founder of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, Micheal Ale, gave this advice in a statement released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday.

He noted that the current rains being experienced in parts of the country may not translate into the sustained rainfall needed for optimal agricultural yield.

PUNCH Online reports that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Federal Government have earlier issued warnings to farmers against early planting following recent “deceptive” rains in February and early March 2026.

They said the early rainfalls are not considered the official start of the rainy season and pose a risk of crop failure due to potential drought.

Ale, in a statement on Monday, linked the emerging irregular rainfall pattern to broader global disruptions.

He said, “While early rains often signal the start of the planting season, farmers should exercise caution as climate variability and global energy disruptions could alter rainfall consistency.

“Farmers should not be deceived by the current rain. What we are witnessing may not be stable enough to support planting cycles, and premature farming activities could lead to poor harvests.

“Weather patterns indicate intermittent rainfall mixed with periods of intense heat. Let me use this occasion to advise farmers across the country to prepare for heavy rain and not to rush into full-scale planting despite the recent onset of rainfall.”

This inconsistency, Ale noted, could lead to reduced productivity, especially for smallholder farmers who rely heavily on predictable seasonal cycles.”

He stressed that women and rural farmers remain the most vulnerable, as erratic rainfall could limit access to farms and reduce yields, thereby worsening food security challenges.

He urged farmers to adopt climate-smart practices, including delayed planting, irrigation planning and close monitoring of weather forecasts, to mitigate potential losses.

The development expert also called on the Federal Government to intensify support for the farmers through early warning systems and agricultural advisories, noting that failure to respond proactively could deepen food insecurity in the coming months.

“The signals are clear; this is not just about rain, but about stability. Without consistency in rainfall, productivity will decline, and the impact will be felt across the food chain”, Ale urged.