Arising from the first rainfall experienced across Ogun State, the Ministry of Agriculture has cautioned farmers not to commence year 2020 planting exercise.
The Commissioner for Agric, Dr. Adeola Odedina, presiding over an in-house meeting which focused on the Roadmap of the Ministry, held at the Conference Room of the Ministry, posited that the advice became imperative in view of the first rainfall, capable of luring farmers into tilling of land for planting.
He submitted that, apart from providing enabling environment for all categories of farmers in the state and linkage with relevant anchors, the Ministry is obligated to periodically enlighten farmers on the exact period to commence planting.
Lending his voice to the Commissioner's counsel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke submitted that the need to educate farmers on the exact period for next planting cannot be over stressed.
Giving a talk earlier on "Cascading and Discussing the General Effect of 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction", as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMet), Director of Tree Crops in the Ministry, Mr. Oyesola James said farmers must be adequately guided so as not to rush into planting as result of the first rainfall, describing it as a "false onset".
He charged farmers to watch out for severe dry spell that may last for 10 to 21 days in the course of the year over the coast of Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Iseyin, Ilorin, Ado Ekiti and some parts of Ogun State, describing the period as a "little dry season".
He maintained that the Ministry is poised at assisting the government achieve self-sufficiency through the different agricultural policies.
Oyesola further disclosed that the Ministry will continue to avail farmers information on climate information services, needed for behavioural changes in farming practices, skills, knowledge, crop advice for rural farmers among others.
Highlighting the farming habits to be adopted, the Director said farmers should be abreast of weather and climate information, adopt smart agriculture, improve productivity in order to build resistance, cropping pattern adjustment among others.
Also present at the meeting were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Angel Adelaja-Kuye, Project Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Agency (OGADEP), Ms. Taiwo Ayansanwo as well as other management staff of the Ministry.
Ahmed Taofeek & 'Tunwase Dokunmu,
Press Officers, Ministry of Agric.
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