Inadequate Rainfall Affects Farming Activities In Bauchi.
By Isiyaka Wunti
The inconsistent nature of rainfall in most parts of Bauchi State has created a great concern to a cross section of farmers across the state.
The situation has subjected the farmers in dilemma on the nature and quantity of the varieties to cultivate.
Our correspondent who examined the situation reports that most of the farmers are yet to embark on farming activities due to the instability of the rainfall.
When Radio Nigeria inspected some farms in the state capital, some farmers are clearing their farmlands in waiting for an encouraged situation before embarking on planting.
However, few farmers have already planted a small quantity of different varieties due to fear of being late in starting the activities.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria, the Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria Bauchi State Branch Muhammad Sani Ibrahim who said most of their members are discouraged by the situation expressed hope that the rainfall will be stable.
A large scale farmer Murlin Mahmood who said the development has affected his earlier plan for Mass production in this season, noted that his investment would be limited for fear of loosing.
When contacted, an agricultural expert and Head of Agricultural Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Mal. Abubakar Ibrahim Attributed the causes of the situation to human activities to include deforestation, increased use of fossil fuels among others.
Malam Abubakar Ibrahim advised the farmers to concentrate on planting early maturing varieties such as beans, maize and sorghum which will survive even with short rainfall.
He also suggested that farmers may decide to plant different forms of crops in a farm so that at least one or two will survive.
It could be recalled that the Nigerian Metrological Agency NIMET has predicted heavy downpour in some part of Bauchi state in the early month of July this year.
