October 20, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has boosted crop and livestock yields in various states across the country, including Abuja, Yobe, Katsina, Kwara and others by providing accurate and timely meteorological data and information.
The director-general of NiMet, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu, hinted at this during his presentation at the 2021 World Food Day (WFD) held recently.
Speaking on the topic “The 2021 Growing Season; Forcast, Reality and the Role of NiMet”, Prof Matazu said seasonal climate prediction (SCP) is critical to farmers, which is why the agency has taken that area very seriously.
According Prof Matazu, SCP entails onset and cessation dates of the cropping season, length of growing period, rainfall amount and socio-economic implications.
He stated that the agency also provides decadal agromet bulletins, published every 10 days, farmers guides, crop weather calendars (CWC), annual climate review,s quarterly weather reviews, drought and food monitoring bulletins, SCP and daily weather forecasts.
Prof Matazu said the agency took it upon itself to train farmers and extention officers on the application of SCP for agricultural production.
Additionally, crop weather calenders and livestock comfortability indexes were being provided.
Matazu equally revealed that between 2016 and 2019, 45 local governments and 180 villages covered with over 5,000 farmers and extension officers were trained on the application of the SCP for agricultural production.
“Between 2017 to 2021, 104 local government and 727 village areas covered with over 60,000 farmers and extension officers were trained on the application of the SCP for agricultural production,” the DG said.
The WFD showcases collective action across 150 countries, making it one of the most celebrated days on the UN calendar.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
