The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has sensitised Abuja farmers on the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction to improve agricultural production.

The mandate secretary of the FCTA Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, Abubakar Ibrahim, said the objective was to educate farmers, specifically on selected crops and animals grown, as captured in the forecast.

According to him, sensitisation is part of activities to improve productivity in the agricultural sector. Mr Ibrahim said if farmers understood the weather forecast, it would help them know the right crops to plant at the appropriate time during the rainy season.

He added that being aware of real-time weather conditions like air and dew temperature, precipitation, and humidity was the best way to protect crops and secure high and healthy yields.

Mr Ibrahim said the initiative was important because farmers would be educated on all farming aspects regarding weather prediction and what type of crop to be planted during the rainy season.

He said this would help to increase food production.

“This sensitisation will go a long way in improving our production in FCT so that in the near future, we can take care of the entire country. So, the farmers, especially leaders of the six area councils, should take the programme seriously,” he further explained. “We have tried to ensure that the information will be simplified such that they are clearly understood by farmers and made easily accessible to them.”

Earlier, NiMet’s director-general, Mansur Matazu, said the downscaling of the SCP was developed to serve the needs of decision-makers, needing local climate prediction for impact assessment.

Mr Matazu, represented by Charles Anosike, said SCP, being one of the NiMet flagship products, was an invaluable tool that helped farmers improve their yields.

He said it had also served as an advisory tool for many stakeholders in the federal, state, and local governments.

Also, the director of FCT Agriculture Services, Ihekandu Francisca, said weather forecast was key to optimum agriculture production and productivity in crops, livestock, fisheries productions, and forestry resources. 

(NAN)