EDO STATE FARMER WEATHER GUIDE 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction

This information is sourced from the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction produced by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Analysis by: HEDA Resource Centre

🌧 EDO STATE FARMING WEATHER GUIDE 2025

This guide explains exactly what this year’s weather means for your crops, fish ponds and livestock. 

RAIN PATTERNS ACROSS EDO (LGA by LGA)

Southern Wet Zone

📍 Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia South-West, Oredo

🌧 First Rain Drops: March 27 – April 1

☀️ Last Rains: December 4-6

📅 Total Growing Days: 247-254 days

💧 Yearly Rainfall: 1950-2071mm

Key Implications:

• Your cassava will grow well but may get too much water
• Plantain suckers should be planted on mounds
• Watch for fungal diseases in humid conditions

Central Food Basket Zone

📍 Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North-East

🌧 First Rain Drops: April 1-4

☀️ Last Rains: December 1-2

📅 Growing Days: 241-243 days

💧 Yearly Rainfall: 1847-1885mm

Critical Notes:

Perfect timing for Edo rice varieties

Yam should be planted before May 15

Maize may need extra weeding in this zone

Northern Upland Zone

📍 Akoko-Edo, Etsako West, Owan East

🌧 First Rain Drops: April 7-13

☀️ Last Rains: November 27-30

📅 Growing Days: 227-237 days

💧 Yearly Rainfall: 1633-1795mm

Special Advice:

• Earlier planting recommended for millet and sorghum
• Groundnuts will do well with proper spacing
• Prepare for early cessation in northern parts

DRY SPELLS EXPLAINED

What Are Dry Spells?

Periods when rain stops completely for:

10-15 days during growing season

Right when crops need water most

2025 Critical Periods:

April-May “False Start”

When: April 25 – May 10

Worst Affected: Esan LGAs

Crops at Risk: New maize and vegetable seedlings

July-August 

When: July 20 – August 5

Worst Affected: Owan, Etsako

Crops at Risk: Flowering cassava and yams

Survival Strategies:

Before Dry Spells:

Practice “mulching” (cover soil with dry leaves/grass)

Build small water collection pits (1m x 1m) near farms

During Dry Spells:

Water plants early morning (5-7am)

Focus on saving young crops first

CROP-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

For Cassava Farmers:

Best Planting Window: April – July

Critical Tip:

Plant stems at 45° angle in well-drained soil

Weed thoroughly before dry spells hit

For Rice Growers:

Optimal Planting Dates:

South: May 1-15

North: May 20-30

Water Management:

Maintain 5cm water level in fields

Drain completely 2 weeks before harvest

For Yam Cultivators:

Mound Preparation: Start February-March

Planting Secret:

Use wood ash in mounds to prevent rot

Place yam heads facing east for better growth

LIVESTOCK & FISH FARMING ADVICE

For Poultry Farmers:

Rainy Season Challenges:

Wet conditions cause coccidiosis

Feed molds quickly

Solutions:

Keep pens dry with proper drainage

Store feed in raised, dry places

For Fish Farmers:

Danger Periods:

May floods can break ponds

August heat lowers oxygen

Protection Methods:

Strengthen pond walls now

Reduce feeding when water is hot

For Goat/Sheep Rearers:

Essential Practices:

Deworm every 3 months

Provide raised sleeping platforms

Cut and store grasses in September

MONTHLY FARMING CALENDAR

February-April:

☑️ Clear and prepare all farmlands

☑️ Buy certified seeds from agriculture offices

May-June:

🌱 Plant rice, yams, and early cassava

⚠️ Watch for April-May dry spell

July-August:

🌾 Weed fields thoroughly

💧 Prepare for July dry spell

September-October:

📦 Begin harvesting early crops

🐟 Stock fish ponds for next season

November-December:

🍚 Process and store harvests

🌿 Cut and store grasses for dry season

 

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Edo Officer:

📞 Mr. Nwainokpor Emmanuel

☎️ 09052445108

📧 e.nwainokpor@nimet.gov.ng, emmanuelnwainokpor@yahoo.com   

🌍 To download the SCP 2025, visit NiMeT website: https://www.nimet.gov.ng/scp

Remember:

• Share this information with fellow farmers
• Call for help if you notice unusual weather
• Attend local agriculture extension meetings
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, call the NiMet number.
• For farmers in riverine areas, prepare for possible floods
• All farmers – watch for the August break

 

Social Media

X: @nimetnigeria

LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube: @Nigerian Meteorological Agency

Instagram: officialnimetng

 

Summary of Predicted Onset Date, Cessation Date, Length of Season and Annual Rainfall Amounts for States and Local Government Areas for Edo state

LGA	Start Date	End Date	Rainy Days		Annual Rainfall (mm)
Akoko-Edo	13-Apr	27-Nov	227	1633
Egor	29-Mar	5-Dec	250	2007
Esan Central	4-Apr	2-Dec	242	1866
Esan North East	4-Apr	1-Dec	241	1847
Esan South East	2-Apr	3-Dec	245	1916
Esan West	3-Apr	2-Dec	243	1885
Etsako Central	7-Apr	30-Nov	237	1775
Etsako East	11-Apr	28-Nov	231	1684
Etsako West	8-Apr	30-Nov	236	1767
Igueben	31-Mar	4-Dec	247	1950
Ikpoba-Okha	27-Mar	6-Dec	254	2071
Oredo	28-Mar	6-Dec	253	2051
Orhionmwon	26-Mar	6-Dec	255	2090
Ovia North East	31-Mar	4-Dec	248	1971
Ovia South West	31-Mar	4-Dec	248	1972
Owan East	9-Apr	29-Dec	234	1738
Owan West	6-Apr	30-Nov	238	1795
Uhunmwonde	31-Mar	4-Dec	247	1954