By Ben Adoga
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA is collaborating with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet for improved farming in the Federal Capital.
The collaboration will enable farmers in the FCT to benefit from the weather forecasts and predictions for farming, especially the types of crops and when to start and stop sowing for a maximum year.
At a maiden sensitization and downscaling activities of the 2022 seasonal climate prediction for farmers across the six area councils held in Gwagwalada Area Council, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Agric, and Rural Development Secretariat, 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 the 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 the rainy season, it will help to increase food production.
“This sensitization will go a long way in improving our products 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 program 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 sensitize farmers in FCT with specific attention to selected crops and animals grown, as captured in the forecast.
Minister calls for sustainable efforts to tackle road crashes
“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 was 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. Francisca Ihekandu said weather forecast is key to optimum agriculture production and productivity in areas such as crop, livestock, fisheries productions and production of forestry resources.
