NiMet, HEDA Sensitise Oyo Farmers On Climate Prediction

AS part of efforts targeted at sustaining food production across the country, the Human and Environmental Development Agency (HEDA) with the support of Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) organised a one-day seminar for farmers in Oyo state to sensitise them on seasonal climate prediction.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Center, Mr. Suliman Arigbabu, said Oyo State has the capacity to provide food for Nigerians with the available resources.

Arigbabu, at the one-day sensitisation programme tagged: “Downscale of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction” maintained that the training was aimed at enlightening the people on the climate prediction with food security and sustainable development.

Feed Nigerians

He noted that Oyo state has the capacity to feed Nigerians but yet to be producing 20 percent of its capacity.

He said: “Oyo state is one of the powerful states when it comes to agriculture in Nigeria. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been producing up to 20 percent of its capacity. The state alone can feed all Nigerians. So, until we get to that stage, we won’t rest.

Meteorological advisories

The environmental activist urged the government at all levels to invest more in the agency that provides Meteorological advisories, saying that lack of adequate funding, absence of enough weather stations and manpower have been major reasons their predictions have not been as accurate as possible.

While charging the Oyo State Government to invest more in agricultural extension workers in rural areas, he admonished farmers to take climate advisories before engaging in farm cultivation.

“The Oyo State Government has to invest in agricultural extension. Infact, private sectors invest in extension workers, train and support them in local and rural areas.

He added that farmers should take climate advisories before they go into farm cultivation.

NP/Lateefah Ibrahim