Drought: Farmers in Southern Plateau raise alarm over inadequate rainfall

Farmers in Southern Plateau are decrying the short rainfall in various communities across the area with crops reportedly wilting and discoloring.

The Southern zone of Plateau, located in the lowlands, comprises six local government areas of Wase, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam and Qua-an Pqn, where various farming activities such as maize, rice, groundnuts, millet and beans cultivation take place.

According to farmers who spoke to Daily Trust on Sunday, they have been experiencing short rainfall for nearly 30 days, resulting in the drying up of crops.

They said if the situation continues, they would lose millions of naira, considering that the crops have not yet reached maturity level, explaining that this year’s short rainfall has left many farmers worried about the potential impact on crop yields and food security.

Yusuf Maidoki, a resident of Yelwa community in Shendam LGA, lamented the development, saying, “I have planted groundnuts in large quantities and expected a bumper harvest, but with this development, I’m worried about the outcome. We hope it rains anytime soon.”

Joseph Domle, a resident of Langtang in Langtang LGA, also lamented the development, stressing that if the shortage of rain continues, the situation would be devastating.

He said, “We’re facing short rainfall in our area since the farming season started. We hope it rains soon because the situation is worrisome.”

A farmer from Qua’an Pan LGA, Daniel Ishaku, who cultivates yams, expressed concern over the absence of rainfall in his community and surrounding villages, praying that God would bring rain to support farming activities.

Daily Trust reports that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC), had predicted that the northern part of Nigeria will experience short rainfall in late July and early August this year.

Our correspondent reports that Southern Plateau experienced late rainfall in the last farming season, followed by sufficient rain.
However, this year, drought set in mid-season after the crops had already started.

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