By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) on Wednesday commenced moves to prevent harsh weather conditions that might lead to production failure in the farms.
At a maiden sensitisation/downscaling activities of the 2022 seasonal climate prediction for farmers across the Six Area Councils held in Gwagwalada Area Council, the Mandate Secretary FCT ARDS, Abubakar Ibrahim said the initiative which is in partnership with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is to educate farmers on the necessary aspects of farming.
He further said if farmers understand the weather forecast it would help them know the right crops to plan at the appropriate time during rainy season.
Ibrahim explained that, “This initiative is very important to us because our farmers will be educated on all the farming aspects especially in terms of weather prediction and what type of crop to be planted during rainy season, it will help to increase food production.
“This sensitisation will go a long way in improving our production in FCT, so that in the near feature we can take care of the entire country. So, the farmers especially leaders of the Six Area Councils should take the programme serious”
The mandate Secretary said the downscaling of the NiMet forecast is being carried out in collaboration with experts from NiMet and others from the Area Councils to sensitise farmers in FCT with specific attention to selected crops and animals grown, as captured in the forecast.
“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”
In his remarks, the Director General NiMet, Professor Mansur Matazu who was represented by Professor Charles Anosike said the agency is committed to meeting up with the needs of policy makers in farming.
He explained that understanding the weather forecast will assist farmers improve on their yields across the territory.
On her part, the Director FCT Agriculture Services, Mrs Ihekandu Francisca said weather forecast is key to optimum agriculture production and productivity in areas such as crop, livestock, fisheries productions and production of forestry resources.
