KANO STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

by Akinmayowa Shobo | Aug 19, 2025 | Climate Justice, ejsd-Blog

🌧 KANO STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

RAIN SCHEDULE FOR YOUR FARM

Northern Kano (Bichi, Dambatta, Tsanyawa areas):

The rains will likely start between June 19-24. But don’t plant immediately when you see the first rain. Wait until there have been at least 3 days of steady, good rain. The rains will stop around October 18-21, giving you only about 110 days (less than 4 months) of growing time. You’ll receive about 500-600mm of rain – that’s about half of what farmers in southern Kano get.

What this means for you:

• Your growing season is very short. You must plant your crops within 3 days after the proper rains start. Any delay could mean your crops won’t mature before the rains end.

• Only plant crops that grow very fast – traditional millet and sorghum varieties that mature in 90-100 days are safest.

• After planting, cover the soil between your crops with dry grass or leaves. This blanket will keep the soil moist when dry periods come.

Central Kano (Kano Municipal, Dawakin Kudu areas):

Expect rains to start June 15-20 and end October 21-25. You’ll have about 120 days (4 months) of growing time with 600-700mm of rain.

What this means for you:

• You can plant both early millet and later cowpea crops.

• There will likely be 15 dry days around July 10-25 when no rain falls. Prepare for this by keeping dry grass ready to spread around your crops.

• Weed your fields at least twice – weeds steal water your crops need.

Southern Kano (Doguwa, Tudun Wada areas):

Your rains will start earlier (June 9-13) and last longer (until October 25-27). You’ll get 130 growing days and 700-840mm of rain – the most in Kano state.

What this means for you:

• You have time to grow maize and other crops that take longer to mature.

• The extra rain can cause flooding. Plant your crops on small mounds or ridges to keep roots from drowning.

• Collect extra rainwater in pits or containers for use during dry periods.

BEST CROPS TO PLANT

For All Areas of Kano:

Millet:

• Best planting time: June 10-25
• Before planting, soak your seeds in clean water overnight. This helps them sprout faster.
• Space your plants about 75cm (2.5 feet) apart to give them room to grow.
• When the July hot period comes, spread dry grass between the rows to protect the soil.

Sorghum:

• Plant at the same time as millet
• The red-colored sorghum varieties handle dry weather better than white ones

Only for Southern Kano (Group 3 areas):

Maize:

• Must be planted by June 15 at the latest
• Check under the leaves every week. If you see green worms eating the leaves, make a natural spray by boiling neem leaves in water, letting it cool, and spraying it on the plants.
• If heavy winds come, maize stalks may fall over. Planting in blocks (not single rows) helps the plants support each other.

Cowpea:

• Plant in early July, after your other crops are already growing

• Pick the pods every 3 days to keep the plants producing more

• Dry the beans completely in the sun before storing to prevent mold

CARING FOR YOUR ANIMALS

For Cattle Owners:

• The grass in northern Kano will dry up by October. Start moving your animals southward in September.

• Now is the time to collect and store crop residues like sorghum stalks and groundnut vines for dry season feed.

For Goat and Sheep Owners:

During the hottest months (March-May):

• Provide shade using mats or tree branches
• Give clean water at least 3 times daily
• Add a little salt to their feed to help them stay healthy

For Poultry Farmers:

• Paint your chicken coops white to reflect heat

• Add extra water containers during hot weather

• Reduce the number of birds in each cage to prevent overcrowding

DANGEROUS PERIODS TO WATCH FOR

July 10-25 (Dry Spell):

• There will likely be 15 days with little or no rain
• Crops planted in June will be most vulnerable

Before July:

• Collect dry grass and leaves
• Spread this mulch around your crops
• If possible, have water ready for emergency watering

September (Harvest Time in Northern Areas):

• Don’t wait too long to harvest
• For millet: Harvest when grains are hard like uncooked rice
• For sorghum: Harvest when the heads start to droop

MONTHLY FARMING CALENDAR

May (Preparation Month):

• Clear your fields completely
• Repair all farming tools
• Visit your local agriculture office for advice

June (Planting Month):

• Plant immediately when the proper rains come
• Mark any areas where pests were a problem last year

July (Weeding Month):

• Weed your fields thoroughly
• Prepare for the dry spell by mulching

August (Preparation Month):

• Start storing crop residues for animal feed
• Prepare sites for dry season gardens

September (Harvest Month):

• Begin harvesting early crops
• Store your grains properly to keep them safe

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Kano Office:

📞 Mr Banky Ambore                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

☎️ 08026963553, 09034442692

📧 b.jonathan@nimet.gov.ng, bankiambore@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 Kano state