The (NiMet) has cautioned farmers across against commencing early planting following recent rainfall, describing the showers as “deceptive” and potentially harmful to crop productivity if misinterpreted as the beginning of the rainy season.
The warning was delivered on Monday by the Oyo State Meteorological Manager, , during a programme titled “Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State,” held in .
Speaking to farmers, agricultural extension workers, and government officials, Udoh stressed that the recent showers recorded in parts of the state do not represent the true onset of the rainy season and should not prompt agricultural activities such as planting.
According to Udoh, NiMet’s seasonal climate outlook indicates that the actual onset of rainfall for the 2026 farming season in Oyo State is expected between April 15 and the end of April, depending on local variations across the state’s 33 local government areas.
He warned that farmers who begin planting prematurely risk crop failure due to potential dry spells that often follow isolated early rains.
“Recent rainfall experienced in some locations across the state should not be mistaken for the commencement of the rainy season,” Udoh said. “These early showers are deceptive and not suitable for planting, so farmers should not be tempted to start planting yet.”
Meteorologists explained that deceptive rains can create the impression that the rainy season has begun, but they are often followed by prolonged periods of dryness, which can damage newly planted seeds or young crops before they establish adequate root systems.
Udoh urged farmers to rely on NiMet’s official climate advisories and agro-meteorological information when planning the timing of planting and other agricultural activities.
He emphasised that the agency has developed localized advisories covering all 33 local government areas of Oyo State, providing guidance on rainfall patterns, likely dry spells, and optimal planting windows.
“The dissemination programme is meant to ensure farmers have access to accurate weather and climate information that can guide agricultural planning,” he said. “Adhering to these advisories will help farmers reduce losses and improve yields.”
Experts at the event also highlighted the growing importance of climate information services in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, particularly as weather variability linked to climate change increasingly affects farming schedules.
NiMet officials encouraged farmers to maintain land preparation activities but delay planting until the confirmed onset period indicated in the forecast.
They also advised stakeholders—including local governments, cooperatives, and agricultural extension services—to intensify awareness campaigns so that rural farmers understand the risks associated with early planting triggered by isolated rainfall events.
Udoh reiterated that farmers should closely monitor updates from NiMet in the coming weeks as the expected onset period approaches.
“Farmers are strongly advised to follow the rainfall onset information provided for their respective local government areas,” he said. “Planting at the right time remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard crops against drought and maximise productivity.”
Agricultural stakeholders attending the programme welcomed the advisory, noting that timely climate information would play a crucial role in ensuring a stable 2026 farming season in Oyo State.
