Gombe State Government Advises Farmers on Irrigation Techniques Amid Low Rainfall Prediction

The Gombe State Government has issued advisory to farmers in light of predictions of low rainfall for the 2024 rainy season. Lydia Simon Bawa, the Desk Officer for Climate Change at the State Ministry of Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, revealed that the state is expected to experience delayed rainfall, with the annual rainfall amount predicted to be below normal.

According to Bawa, farmers are urged to adopt irrigation farming techniques to mitigate the impact of reduced rainfall. The advisory follows the public presentation of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in Abuja. The prediction indicates delayed rainfall onset and cessation, as well as a likelihood of severe dry spells.

In response, the state government advised farmers to utilize the pre-onset period for land preparation and other planning activities. Farmers were also encouraged to drink enough water during periods of above-normal heat and to remain vigilant for cases of meningitis, as Gombe falls within the “Meningitis Belt.” Additionally, the government urged the promotion of water harvesting technology and the exploration of irrigation methods to ensure agricultural sustainability during dry spells.