By Dwelleth
The Minister of State for Aviation Mr. Hadi Sirika, on Thursday said the 2019 rainfall across the country is expected
to experience below normal to normal rainfall season.
However, he said the prediction of below normal-to-normal rainfall season as prepared by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), an agency under his ministry, does not rule out the possibility of isolated flash floods due to high intensity rainfall at the peak of the season especially in places that are naturally prone to flooding.
The minister spoke while unveiling the 2019 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) with the theme: Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart Economy, a Pathway to National Development, in Abuja, said the rains are expected to start late in some Northern villages, town and cities which will be characterized by earlier than normal end growing season.
According to him, the South-eastern zone and the Coastal areas will experience normal onset of rain, adding that most areas in the North will also experience earlier than normal end growing season. According to him, there will be shorter length of the growing season for most parts of the country.
Sirika, said dry spells during the raining season will be more frequent and severe (10-18 days) in some parts of the extreme North around June and July, while the little dry season or (August break) in parts of the South is expected to be pronounced, adding that these are risk factors for farmers and must therefore be scientifically managed by the farmers.
While advising farmers to get in touch with NIMET to access meteorological advisories and updates, he stressed that dry spell can often result in crop losses.
He said the early release of this year’s prediction is to ensure effective harnessing of climate resources and also to guarantee minimal losses from associated hazards which are becoming devastating because of the negative impact of climate change.
“It is on record that increase of 30 percent agricultural yields can be achieved if the relevant meteorological information is utilized.” The minister said.