Some agriculture and environmental experts have advised farmers to shun fake seeds dealers, to avoid massive losses at the end of the rainy season.
The experts said in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Bauchi, that this was necessary to protect their crops and production.
Dr Sani Mahmud, an agronomist, said early preparation was necessary, so as to properly be ready for the cropping season.
“Develop iron, steel industry to achieve mechanised agriculture” – Don
Expert blames food shortage, hunger on neglect of agriculture
He said farmers must endeavour to use improved seeds to guarantee better yields.
Mahmud cautioned farmers against patronising fake seed merchants who sell substandard or adulterated seeds that endanger crops and production.
The agronomist also said it was necessary for farmers to adopt new technologies to fast track their activities and ensure increase production.
Mr Adamu Usman, acting state Meteorological Inspector with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) in Bauchi, urged farmers to start early and plant drought tolerant crops.
According to him, the earliest onset of the planting season will be around the month of May in Bauchi State.
“The onset of the planting season is predicted to be normal over most parts of the state, with a few areas having it earlier while some will have it delayed.
“The window between the onset and cessation dates can be regarded as safe periods for the planting of various crops by their cropping calendars,” he said.
Mr Dauda Kabiru, a farmer, however, said absence of access to funding remained a major problem of farmers in the state.
According to him, there is lack of investment in basic farm inputs needed to raise productivity and sustain growth of the non-oil sector.
“As a result, yields have failed to increase significantly, leading to pervasive hunger and poverty,” he said. (NAN)
