Ministry Of Agriculture Advises Against Early Planting Of Crops

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has warned farmers against hasty planting of crops following the early rains in Bauchi State.

The Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in the state, Daniel Abarshi, gave the warning in Bauchi on Tuesday.

The first rainfall was recorded in parts of the state on April 7, but the Director urged farmers to exercise caution and not to be overwhelmed with the early arrival of the rain as it is not enough to start planting crops, adding that farmers should strictly adhere to the rain prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He urged the farmers to prepare their lands and await proper rain before the planting crops.

“We have to wait until sometime in May when the rain will stabilize for farmers to start planting their crops,” he said.

Abarshi added that the federal government has initiated sound programs to enhance farmer support services this cropping season.

He advised farmers to form cooperative societies to enable them to access inputs and other support services initiated by the federal government.