By Israel Adamu, Jos
Farmers in southern Plateau are decrying the low 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 Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam , Wase and Qua-an Pan where various farming activities such as maize , rice, groundnuts, millet and beans cultivation take place.
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.
Speaking with DAYBREAK NIGERIA, Nandul Solomon a resident of Langtang South decried the lack of rain in the zone.
He said crops grown by farmers have started drying up as a result of the drought.
Some other farmers in the areas who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said they have been experiencing short rainfall for nearly 25 days, resulting in the drying up of crops.
The farmers 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 North 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.”
Another 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.
Our correspondent 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.
