JIGAWA STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

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

🌧 JIGAWA STATE FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

RAINFALL PATTERNS ACROSS JIGAWA

For Northern Border Areas (Kazaure, Gumel, Maigatari):

First Rain Drops: June 25-30 (wait for proper rain establishment before planting)

Last Rains: October 15-17 (Prepare for early dry season)

Total Growing Days: Only 89-92 days (About 3 months)

Rainfall Amount: 603-607mm 

What This Means for You:

• Extremely short growing season – you must plant within 3 days of first proper rain
• Millet and sorghum are your safest bets
• Prepare dry season feed from August

For Central Farmlands (Dutse, Birnwa, Gwaram):

First Rains: June 13-17

Last Rains: October 23-25

Growing Days: 110-116 days

Rainfall Amount: 712-828mm

What This Means for You:

• About 4 months of growing time
• Can plant both early and late millet varieties
• Cowpea can be intercropped successfully

For Southern Zones (Ringim, Taura, Garki):

First Rains: June 9-13 (Earliest in the state)

Last Rains: October 25-27

Growing Days: 122-127 days

Rainfall Amount: 745-827mm

What This Means for You:

• Longest growing season in Jigawa
• Can experiment with longer duration crops
• Still need to prepare for dry spells

CROP-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

(Exactly What to Plant and When)

1. For Millet Farmers:

Critical Planting Window:

Northern areas: June 25-July 5

Central/South: June 15-25

Key Requirements:

• Use certified seeds (ask extension officers)
• Plant spacing: 25cm between plants, 75cm between rows
• Apply 2 handfuls of compost per planting hole

Dry Spell Protection:

• Mulch with crop residues immediately after planting
• Construct micro-catchments to trap rainwater

1. For Sorghum Growers:

Best Planting Time: June 20-30

• Special Advice:
• Choose drought-tolerant varieties
• Deep planting (5cm) helps seedlings survive dry spells

Pest Alert:

• Watch for stem borers after rains
• Use neem extracts for organic control

1. For Cowpea Producers:

Ideal Planting: July 10-20 (after cereals established)

Crucial Practices:

• Plant in 75cm rows
• Use resistant varieties against striga weed
• Monitor for maruca pod borer weekly

Harvest Tips:

• Pick pods early morning to reduce shattering
• Dry on raised platforms

1. For Fadama (Irrigation) Farmers:

Recommended Crops:

Onions (transplant August)

Tomatoes (plant September)

Vegetables (sow in nurseries July)

Water Management:

Morning irrigation (6-8am) reduces evaporation.

Use mulching to conserve moisture.

LIVESTOCK SURVIVAL GUIDE

(Keeping Your Animals Healthy Through the Seasons)

For Cattle Herders:

Grazing Plan:

• Northern herds: Begin moving south by August 20
• Identify and reserve dry season grazing areas now
• Practice rotational grazing to preserve pastures

Water Requirements:

• 40-50 liters per animal daily in heat
• Establish water points along migration routes

For Goat/Sheep Farmers:

Feed Management:

• Cut and store crop residues in August
• Plant drought-resistant fodder
• Provide mineral licks year-round

Shelter Needs:

Build raised platforms (30cm high)

Create shaded resting areas

Poultry Keepers:

Heat Stress Solutions:

• Whitewash poultry houses with local clay
• Provide cool drinking water 4x daily
• Reduce stocking density by 30% in April-May

Disease Prevention:

Vaccinate against Newcastle disease

Change litter weekly during rains

CRITICAL WEATHER PERIODS

1. July Dry Spell (July 10-25):

Most Vulnerable:

Newly germinated millet (1-3 weeks old)

Young sorghum seedlings

Recently transplanted vegetables

Protection Methods:

Before It Comes:

• Apply 5cm mulch around plants
• Dig zai pits (30cm deep, 40cm wide)

During:

• Water early morning (5-7am)
• Prioritize young cereal stands

1. Early Cessation (Northern Areas):

Expected: Rains may end by October 15

Preparation:

• Harvest crops at physiological maturity
• Preserve fodder from September
• Repair water storage facilities

MONTH-BY-MONTH FARMING CALENDAR

May-June (Preparation):

☑️ Clear and prepare farmlands

☑️ Purchase certified seeds from approved dealers

☑️ Repair farm tools and equipment

☑️ Identify water sources for dry season

June-July (Planting):

🌱 Plant millet immediately after first rains

🌱 Sow sorghum by June 30

🌱 Establish cowpea intercrops

⚠️ Watch for early pests

August (Maintenance):

🌾 Complete all weeding

💧 Prepare for dry spell

🌿 Begin fodder conservation

🐄 Start livestock migration planning

September (Harvest Prep):

📦 Harvest early millet varieties

🌾 Store crop residues properly

🚜 Prepare dry season gardens

💉 Vaccinate livestock

October (Harvest):

🍚 Complete all grain harvests

🏗️ Process and store grains

🌵 Prepare for harmattan

📊 Review farming outcomes

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Jigawa Office:

📞 Mr. Mohammed, K. A.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

☎️ 08067990231, 08023921369

📧 m.abdullahi@nimet.gov.ng, 

abdulm186@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 Jigawa state