Drought Hits Southern Plateau, Farmers Fear Huge Losses

Strategic Insights -

Farmers in the Southern zone of Plateau are facing a severe drought, with crops wilting and discoloring due to short rainfall. The six local government areas of Wase, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam, and Qua-an Pqn are affected, with maize, rice, groundnuts, millet, and beans cultivation taking place. According to farmers, nearly 30 days of short rainfall has resulted in crops drying up, and they are worried about the potential impact on crop yields and food security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Farmers in the Southern zone of Plateau are experiencing a severe drought due to short rainfall, affecting crops such as maize, rice, groundnuts, millet, and beans.
  • The drought has lasted for nearly 30 days, resulting in crops drying up and farmers facing potential huge losses.
  • Farmers are worried about the impact on crop yields and food security, as the crops have not yet reached maturity level.
  • Residents of Yelwa community, Langtang, and Qua'an Pan LGA have expressed concern over the shortage of rainfall, with one resident, Yusuf Maidoki, lamenting the development and hoping for imminent rainfall.
  • The situation is worrisome, with another resident, Joseph Domle, stressing that if the shortage of rain continues, the situation would be devastating.
  • A farmer from Qua'an Pan LGA, Daniel Ishaku, expressed concern over the absence of rainfall in his community and surrounding villages, praying for God to bring rain to support farming activities.
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) had predicted short rainfall in the northern part of Nigeria in late July and early August, which has now been realized.
  • The region experienced late rainfall in the last farming season, followed by sufficient rain, but this year's drought set in mid-season after the crops had already started.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 30 days of short rainfall have resulted in crops drying up.
  • The affected local government areas include Wase, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam, and Qua-an Pqn.
  • Crops such as maize, rice, groundnuts, millet, and beans are affected.
  • Farmers are worried about the potential impact on crop yields and food security, as the crops have not yet reached maturity level.
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) had predicted short rainfall in the northern part of Nigeria in late July and early August.

Sources:

  • Daily Trust on Sunday
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Climate Prediction Centre (CPC)