FCT FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

by Akinmayowa Shobo | Aug 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

🌧 FCT FARMERS’ GUIDE 2025

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

RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION EXPLAINED

(Understanding Your Local Weather Pattern)

For All FCT Farmers (Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji):

The rains will begin between May 11-19 and continue until November 12-16, giving you 187-198 days of growing season. You’ll receive 1141-1258mm of rainfall.

Key Variations:

Earliest Rains: Abaji (May 11)

Latest Rains: Bwari (May 19)

Longest Season: Kuje (198 days)

Shortest Season: Bwari (187 days)

IN-DEPTH CROP ADVICE

(Tailored Recommendations for Major Crops)

1. Maize Cultivation

Planting Window: May 20 – June 10 (immediately after rain establishment)

Critical Tip: Plant at 75cm spacing to allow for growth

Dry Spell Protection: Apply dry grass mulch by July 1

1. Cassava Farming

Best Planting Period: May – July

Spacing Requirement: 1m × 1m for optimal growth

Weeding Schedule: Weed 3 times (3, 8, and 12 weeks after planting)

1. Vegetable Production

Leafy Greens: Plant June – August

Tomatoes/Peppers: Use raised beds with good drainage

Irrigation Needs: Water every 3 days during dry spells

1. Yam Cultivation

Moun Preparation: Start April – May

Planting Time: June – July (after good rain establishment)

Critical Care: Stake vines properly by August

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT GUIDE

(Keeping Your Animals Healthy Through the Seasons)

Poultry Farmers:

Heat Stress Management:

• Provide cool water three times daily 
• Install shade nets over pens
• Reduce stocking density by 15% in hot months

Goat/Sheep Rearers:

Rainy Season Care:

• Build raised wooden platforms (minimum 30cm high)
• Deworm every 3 months (May, August, November)
• Store crop residues for dry season feed

Cattle Herders:

Water Requirements: 40-50 liters per animal daily

Grazing Management:

• Practice rotational grazing
• Reserve some areas for dry season grazing

CRITICAL WEATHER PERIODS & PROTECTION

1. June-July Dry Spell

Expected Dates: June 15-30

Most Vulnerable Crops:

• Newly planted maize
• Young vegetable seedlings
• Recently transplanted crops

Protection Methods:

Before Dry Spell:

• Apply 5cm thick mulch around plants
• Establish water collection systems

During Dry Spell:

Water early morning (5-7am)

Prioritize young and high-value crops

1. September Heat Wave

Expected Period: September 1-15

Livestock Risks:

• Heat stress in poultry
• Reduced milk production in cattle

Protection Methods:

• Provide shaded resting areas
• Increase water supply points
• Adjust feeding to cooler hours

MONTH-BY-MONTH FARMING CALENDAR

April-May (Preparation):

• Clear and prepare farmlands
• Purchase quality seeds/seedlings
• Repair farm tools and equipment

June-July (Planting):

• Plant maize, cassava, vegetables
• Implement first weeding
• Begin pest monitoring

August-September (Maintenance):

• Apply fertilizers
• Continue weeding
• Prepare for dry spell

October-November (Harvest):

• Begin harvesting early crops
• Process and store produce
• Prepare for dry season farming

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet FCT Office:

📞 Mrs. Jumai Ameh

☎️ 08038390497

📧 a.jumai@nimet.gov.ng, 

amehenis@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 FCT state