Farmers warned to brace for severe downpours, says company

Farmers across Nigeria have been cautioned to prepare for heavy rainfall and avoid rushing into full-scale planting, despite the recent onset of rainfall, by the Founder of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, Micheal Ale.

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In a statement released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, Ale noted that the current rains may not necessarily lead to sustained rainfall, which is essential for optimal agricultural yield.

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Federal Government had earlier warned farmers against early planting due to recent "deceptive" rains in February and early March 2026, citing the risk of crop failure due to potential drought.

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Ale linked the irregular rainfall pattern to broader global disruptions, stating that climate variability and global energy disruptions could alter rainfall consistency.

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He advised farmers to exercise caution, as the current rain may not be stable enough to support planting cycles, and premature farming activities could lead to poor harvests.

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Ale noted that weather patterns indicate intermittent rainfall mixed with periods of intense heat, and therefore urged farmers to prepare for heavy rain and avoid rushing into full-scale planting.

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

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

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

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

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Ale emphasized that the issue is not just about rain, but about stability, and that without consistency in rainfall, productivity will decline, affecting the entire food chain.