NIMET predicts good agricultural yields this year.

Agricultural Produce

 The Nigerian Metrological Agency has predicted a good agricultural harvest in the country this year going by the likely pattern of rainfall. In its report titled; “Seasonal Rainfall Prediction and Socio-economic Implications for Nigeria,” which was released in Abuja on Thursday, NIMET said normal rainy pattern was expected in the current year.
The report said, “The predicted normal growing season in 2012 is expected to result in good agricultural yields, with little chance of agricultural drought across the country. “In order to take maximum advantage of the good rainfall predicted this year as well as reduce the impact of quell birds’ invasion in these areas, farmers are advised to source and undertake early planting of improved high-yielding seeds, cuttings and seedlings for all crops commonly grown in the country.”

The report added, “High agricultural yields are likely over the savannah regions as a result of adequate rainfall expected over the area. For the southern region, where adequate rainfall is also expected during the season, good cereal and root crop yields are likely. “Farmers in this region and the central part of the country should plant tuber crops immediately the predicted dates are attained. However, they are advised to harvest and store the tubers promptly in order to avoid the attendant problem associated with delayed harvest in such weather conditions.”
The metrological agency said the predicted normal rainfall might result in flash flooding, particularly in the northern states.
It noted that wet spells and flash floods could occur even in areas with a likelihood of near to below normal rainfall. Such flash floods, it added, might lead to physical damage to crops in the field, agricultural equipment and structures, as well as physical damage to infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and telecommunications networks. On health, the report said there were likely to be incidences of increased air-borne diseases as a result of the harmattan dust haze early in the year, adding that the predicted normal temperature during the season might prevent heat waves.
“This may in turn reduce occurrence of meningitis over such places and make malaria parasites more active. Therefore, the health services sector should take advantage of this advisory to strengthen their contingency preparedness plan,” the report added.
On the coastal areas and the maritime sector, NIMET said the expected normal to above normal rainfall could lead to sufficient fish production.
However, it warned of the possibility of rainstorms and gustiness that could aggravate the intensity of associated coastal flooding and erosion, which might result in landslides and loss of lives and property. “The necessary awareness, therefore, needs to be created among the relevant government agencies to ensure adequate emergency preparedness in the event of casualties from associated climate hazards,” the report added.
Speaking at the presentation of the report, the Director-General, NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, said onset dates ranged from between late February in the southernmost part of the country, to the last week of June in the northernmost part. He added that the quantity of rainfall would range between 300mm to 1,100mm in the northern half of the country, and 1,200mm to 2,700mm in the South.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said on Thursday the country had spent about N1.6tn on the importation of rice, wheat, sugar, and fish in the last four years. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, made the disclosure at meeting in Abuja with state commissioners of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
He said without elaborating further, “In the last four years, Nigeria has spent the sum of N1.6tn on importing rice, wheat, sugar and fish,” noting that the attainment of food security would enhance the nation’s economic development. Adesina also said the current security challenges in the country, especially those posed by the Boko Haram sect, would be rectified through investment in agriculture.
He added that with strong will power, the country would soon experience food sufficiency and become a net exporter of food items Adesina cited the North-East and North-West as regions with less food production, adding that with the adequate provision of food on the people’s table, it would be difficult for anyone to cajole them into any criminal act. He noted that the North-Central had been having relative peace because the people were not hungry. “We have been talking of national security, and without food security, there cannot be national security, because national security starts with food security,” he said. The minister called on the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring food security in their various domains.
While explaining that the ATA, introduced by President Goodluck Jonathan, was to make Nigeria a leading agriculture and industrialized nation in Africa, Adesina promised that in the next four years, the country would be the largest producer and importer of food. He said the purpose of the meeting with the commissioners was to further dialogue on value chain and manifestation of the agriculture transformation action plan, adding that “it is the aim of Mr. President to make agriculture the biggest sector of the economy in Nigeria.”