KOGI STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

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

🌧 KOGI 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 Kogi (Lokoja, Kogi, Ajaokuta areas):

The rains will likely start between April 22-28. 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 November 20-27, giving you about 180-195 days (6-6.5 months) of growing time. You will receive about 1300-1677mm of rain – that’s more than double what farmers in northern states get.

What this means for you:

• Your growing season is long enough for two crop cycles if you plan well.

• The heavy rains can cause flooding. Always plant on raised mounds or ridges at least 1 foot high.

• After heavy downpours, check your fields for standing water. If water remains more than 2 days, dig small drainage channels.

Central Kogi (Okene, Adavi, Okehi areas):

Expect rains to start April 17-25 and end November 24-28. You’ll have about 190-203 days (6-7 months) of growing time with 1500-1700mm of rain.

What this means for you:

• You have the best conditions for yam and cassava in Kogi State.

• The wet soil can cause diseases. Space your plants wider than normal to allow air flow.

• Rotate your crops each season – don’t plant the same crop in the same spot year after year.

Southern Kogi (Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela areas):

Your rains will start earliest (April 13-17) and last longest (until December 1). You’ll get 207-220 growing days and 1580-1834mm of rain – the most in Kogi state.

What this means for you:

• You can grow three crop cycles if you manage your time well.

• Flooding is your biggest risk. Plant on raised beds at least 1.5 feet high.

• Collect extra rainwater in ponds or tanks for dry season farming.

BEST CROPS TO PLANT

For All Areas of Kogi:

🌾 Cassava:

Best planting time:

First planting: April 20 – May 15

Second planting: August 1-20

Key steps:

• Select healthy stems about 1 meter long from disease-free plants

• Cut stems at 45-degree angle – this helps prevent rot

• Plant stems at 45-degree angle, 1 meter apart to allow space for growth

• Weed thoroughly at 3 weeks and again at 8 weeks after planting

• Apply organic manure or compost around plants at 6 weeks

• Watch for cassava mosaic disease – remove infected plants immediately

🌾 Yam:

Best planting time: March 25 – April 30

Key steps:

• Prepare ridges 1 meter apart and at least 1 foot high

• Select healthy seed yams about the size of a fist

• Plant seed yams 1 foot deep in the ridges

• Provide stakes for vines to climb – this increases yield by 30%

• Mulch with dry grass or leaves to retain moisture

• Harvest after 8-10 months when leaves turn yellow

For Areas with Longer Growing Seasons:

🌽 Maize:

Planting time:

First crop: April 15 – May 10

Second crop: July 20 – August 10

Key steps:

• Plant 3 seeds per hole, spaced 75cm apart

• Thin to 2 strongest plants per stand after 2 weeks

• Check under leaves every 5 days for armyworms

• If worms appear, mix 1 cup wood ash with 5 liters water and spray in morning

• Apply fertilizer at 3 weeks and 6 weeks after planting

• Harvest when husks turn brown and kernels are hard

🥜 Cowpea:

Planting time: June 10-30

Key steps:

• Plant after cereals are established (about 3 weeks after)

• Space plants 50cm apart in rows 75cm apart

• Pick pods every 3 days to encourage more production

• Dry beans on raised platforms for 3 sunny days

• Store in airtight containers with neem leaves to prevent weevils

CARING FOR YOUR ANIMALS

For Cattle Owners:

Pasture Management:

• Plant improved grasses like Guinea grass and Elephant grass around your farm

• Rotate grazing areas to allow grass to regrow

• Cut and store grass during rainy season for dry season feed

Feed Supplements:

• Provide mineral licks year-round

• Give salt blocks to encourage water intake

• Feed crop residues like maize stover and bean haulms

Health Care:

• Deworm every 3 months (March, June, September, December)

• Vaccinate against contagious diseases

• Check for ticks daily during rainy season

For Goat and Sheep Owners:

Shelter Improvements:

• Build raised wooden floors to keep animals dry

• Provide shade nets during hot months

• Ensure proper ventilation in pens

Feeding Practices:

• Provide fresh water twice daily in clean containers

• Add a pinch of salt to feed weekly

• Allow grazing only after morning dew dries to prevent worms

Health Maintenance:

• Trim hooves every 2 months

• Vaccinate against PPR disease

• Isolate sick animals immediately

For Poultry Farmers:

• Coop Management:

• Whitewash walls with local clay to reflect heat

• Keep bedding dry – change wood shavings weekly

• Provide 1 square foot space per bird

Feeding:

• Provide balanced feed twice daily

• Add grit for better digestion

• Give clean water constantly

Disease Prevention:

• Vaccinate chicks at day-old against Newcastle disease

• Disinfect coops monthly

• Remove sick birds immediately

DANGEROUS PERIODS TO WATCH FOR

July-August (Heavy Rains):

Risks:

• Fields may flood, drowning crops

• Diseases spread quickly in wet conditions

• Animals may suffer from foot rot

Preparation:

• Clear all drainage channels before rains start

• Harvest early-maturing crops if ready

• Move animals to higher ground

• Store dry feed in raised, covered areas

September (Disease Peak Month):

Watch For:

• Black spots on cassava leaves (sign of disease)

• White mold on yam tubers

• Coughing or sneezing in poultry

Solutions:

• Remove and burn infected plants immediately

• Spray organic fungicides made from neem or garlic

• Improve ventilation in animal shelters

• Separate sick animals from healthy ones

MONTH-BY-MONTH WORK PLAN

March-April:

• Clear fields completely – remove all weeds and debris

• Prepare planting sites – make ridges for yam, mounds for cassava

• Repair all farm tools – hoes, cutlasses, baskets

• Build or repair animal shelters

May-June:

• Plant first crops – yam, maize, early cassava

• First weeding – do this carefully to avoid damaging young plants

• Start fish ponds if you have water sources

• Vaccinate all young animals

July-August:

• Second weeding – crucial for good yields

• Watch fields closely for signs of flooding

• Plant second maize crop if you have long season

• Harvest early vegetables like okra and pepper

September-October:

• Begin main harvests of yam and early cassava

• Dry and store grains properly to prevent mold

• Plant dry season vegetables near water sources

• Prepare animal feed stores for dry season

November-December:

• Complete all harvests

• Process and store crops properly

• Maintain and repair all farm equipment

• Plan next year’s farming activities

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Kogi Office:

📞 Miss Umar Ralia O.

☎️ 08057334354, 08035984648

📧 r.umar@nimet.gov.ng,  ralia.umar@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 Kogi state

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