IMO STATE FARMERS’ WEATHER GUIDE

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

🌧 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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