| IMO STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE
2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction |
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This information is sourced from the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction produced by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet)Analysis by: HEDA Resource Centre |
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🌧 IMO STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025
This guide explains exactly what this year’s weather means for your crops, fish ponds and livestock.
RAINFALL PATTERNS
For Our Northern Farmers (Okigwe, Onuimo, Isu):
Your rains will begin between March 20-25 and continue until December 9-10. This gives you 263-264 days of growing season with about 2233-2273mm of rainfall.
For Central Areas (Owerri, Mbaitoli, Njaba):
Expect your first rains between March 16-20, continuing until December 12-13. You’ll enjoy 270-271 rainy days with 2377-2407mm of rainfall – slightly more than northern areas, giving your crops more consistent moisture.
For Southern Farmers (Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Ngor-Okpala):
Your season starts earliest (March 14-16) and ends around December 12-13. With 271-273 rainy days and 2380-2449mm of rain, you have the longest and wettest conditions in Imo State.
CROP GUIDANCE
- For Cassava Farmers:
Best Planting Time: April through July
Critical Planting Tips:
- Select mature stems (at least 8 months old) from healthy plants
- Cut stems into 25-30cm lengths with 5-7 nodes
- Plant at a 45-degree angle in well-prepared soil
- Space plants 1m apart to allow proper growth
Weeding Schedule:
- First weeding: 2-3 weeks after planting
- Second weeding: 6-8 weeks after planting
- Third weeding: 10-12 weeks after planting
- For Yam Cultivators:
Land Preparation:
- Begin mound preparation in February-March
- Build mounds 60cm high and 1m in diameter
Planting Protocol:
- Plant yam setts April-May when soil is moist
- Place head portion facing east for optimal growth
- Cover with 5-10cm of soil
- For Rice Growers:
Lowland Rice:
- Prepare nursery beds April 1-15
- Transplant seedlings May 1-15 at 20cm spacing
- Maintain 5cm water depth in fields
Upland Rice:
- Direct seed April 15-30
- Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging
- For Vegetable Producers:
- Leafy Vegetables (Ugwu, Waterleaf):
- First planting: March-April
- Second planting: August-September
- Mulch with dry grass to retain moisture
Tomatoes/Peppers:
- Use raised beds 30cm high
- Stake plants when they reach 30cm tall
- Water at base to prevent leaf diseases
LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Poultry Farmers:
- Rainy Season Challenges:
- High humidity promotes fungal diseases
- Wet litter causes foot rot and respiratory issues
Management Solutions:
- Change wood shavings completely every week
- Install additional ventilation in poultry houses
- Add vitamins to drinking water during stress periods
Goat and Sheep Rearers:
Essential Practices:
- Construct raised sleeping platforms (minimum 30cm high)
- Deworm every 3 months (March, June, September, December)
- Reserve 20% of farmland for dry season fodder production
Fish Farmers:
Pond Maintenance:
- Strengthen pond walls before heavy rains (April-May)
- Install overflow pipes to prevent flooding
- Reduce feeding by 50% during cloudy weather
CRITICAL WEATHER PERIODS & PROTECTION MEASURES
- April-May Dry Spell (April 25 – May 10)
Most Vulnerable Crops:
- Newly planted maize (2-4 weeks old)
- Young vegetable seedlings
- Recently transplanted crops
Protection Methods:
Before Dry Spell:
- Apply 5cm thick layer of dry grass mulch
- Dig small water collection pits (1m deep) near fields
During Dry Spell:
- Water plants early morning (5-7am)
- Prioritize water for high-value crops
- August Break (July 28 – August 10)
Affected Farming Activities:
- Cassava tuber formation
- Rice flowering and grain filling
- Vegetable fruit setting
Preparation Advice:
For Crops:
- Complete fertilizer application by July 20
- Conduct thorough weeding by July 15
For Animals:
- Store enough drinking water (minimum 50L per large animal daily)
- Cut and store grasses in July
MONTH-BY-MONTH FARMING CALENDAR
February-March (Preparation Phase):
- Clear and prepare all farmlands
- Build yam mounds and prepare seed yams
- Purchase certified seeds from approved dealers
- Repair and maintain all farm tools
April-May (Planting Phase):
- Plant cassava, yam, and early maize
- Establish vegetable nurseries
- Begin regular weeding schedule
- Monitor fields for early pest signs
June-July (Growth Phase):
- Transplant rice seedlings
- Apply recommended fertilizers
- Continue pest monitoring
- Prepare water conservation methods
August-September (Critical Care Phase):
- Implement dry spell protection measures
- Begin harvesting early crops
- Plant second season vegetables
- Store animal feed for dry season
October-November (Harvest Phase):
- Complete main harvests
- Process and store crops properly
- Prepare fields for dry season farming
- Conduct end-of-season farm sanitation
SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP
📞 Mr. Inya Akunna A.
☎️ 07033839524
📧 a.inya@nimet.gov.ng, inyaakunna@gmail.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 Imo state
| LGA | Start Date | End Date | Rainy Days | Annual Rainfall (mm) |
| Aboh-Mbaise | 16-Mar | 12-Dec | 271 | 2396 |
| Ahiazu-Mbaise | 18-Mar | 11-Dec | 268 | 2348 |
| Ehime-Mbano | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 265 | 2289 |
| Ezinihitte | 17-Mar | 12-Dec | 270 | 2380 |
| Ideato North | 22-Mar | 9-Dec | 261 | 2212 |
| Ideato South | 21-Mar | 9-Dec | 263 | 2238 |
| Ihitte/Uboma | 19-Mar | 10-Dec | 266 | 2305 |
| Ikeduru | 18-Mar | 11-Dec | 268 | 2347 |
| Isiala Mbano | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 265 | 2289 |
| Isu | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 265 | 2287 |
| Mbaitoli | 18-Mar | 11-Dec | 267 | 2329 |
| Ngor-Okpala | 14-Mar | 13-Dec | 273 | 2449 |
| Njaba | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 265 | 2273 |
| Nkwere | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 264 | 2264 |
| Nwangele | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 265 | 2276 |
| Obowo | 18-Mar | 11-Dec | 268 | 2350 |
| Oguta | 19-Mar | 10-Dec | 266 | 2305 |
| Ohaji/Egbema | 16-Mar | 12-Dec | 271 | 2407 |
| Okigwe | 21-Mar | 9-Dec | 263 | 2233 |
| Orlu | 21-Mar | 9-Dec | 263 | 2234 |
| Orsu | 22-Mar | 8-Dec | 261 | 2208 |
| Oru East | 20-Mar | 10-Dec | 264 | 2264 |
| Oru West | 21-Mar | 9-Dec | 264 | 2254 |
| Owerri-Municipal | 17-Mar | 12-Dec | 270 | 2377 |
| Owerri North | 16-Mar | 12-Dec | 271 | 2393 |
| Owerri West | 16-Mar | 12-Dec | 271 | 2403 |
| Onuimo | 21-Mar | 9-Dec | 263 | 2247 |
