By Sade Williams
-
Abuja, Yobe, Katsina, Kwara, others benefit
The availability of accurate and timely meteorological data and information made possible by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has boosted both crop and livestock yields in various states across the country, including Abuja, Yobe, Katsina, Kwara, and others, Mansur Bako Matazu, a professor and director general, NiMet, said in a presentation to mark the 2021 World Food Day (WFD), recently.
Speaking on the topic, “The 2021 Growing Season; Forcast, Reality and the Role of NiMet,” Matazu said that the seasonal climate prediction (SCP) is critical to farmers and that is why the agency has taken it very seriously.
According to him, 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 Bulletin published every 10 days, farmers guide, Crop Weather Calendar (CWC), Annual Climate Review, Quarterly Weather Review, Drought and Food Monitoring Bulletin, State Downscaled (SCP) and Daily Weather Forecast.
For farmers to gain optimally from the SCP, Matazu informed that the agency took it upon itself to train farmers and extension officers on the application of SCP for agricultural production.
Additionally, he said that crop weather calendars and livestock comfortability indexes are being provided.
Between 2016 and 2019, 45 local government and 180 village areas were covered, with over 5,000 farmers and extension officers trained on the application of the SCP for agricultural production, he disclosed.
“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,” he further revealed.
Meanwhile, WFD showcases a collective action across 150 countries, which makes the day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar.
On that day, which was 18th October for 2021, hundreds of events and outreach activities brought together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public. They promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all.
