Kogi urges farmers to consider NiMet predictions to plan cropping seasons

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Farmers in Kogi were on Wednesday charged to plan the 2014 cropping season in line with the “Below normal Rainfall” prediction from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its Seasonal Rainfall Predictions (SRP).agric

Mrs Ladi Jatto, Special Adviser to Governor Idris Wada on Environment and Physical Development, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

According to her, NiMet put the 2014 total length of the rainy season for Kogi at 210 days with a period of drought between the months of July and August.

She therefore, advised farmers to endeavour to plant drought-resistant crops and as well, take advantage of the early rains to plant early maturing crops which would be ready for harvest in a very short period.

Jatto also charged Kogi people to ensure proper ventilation of their homes in view of the “Warmer than normal” temperatures predicted by NiMet, to prevent out-break of heat-related diseases like meningitis.

The Special Adviser cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes in drainages and water channels saying that blockage of the drainages could result in outbreak of water borne diseases like Cholera and Diarrhea

Jatto describe the April 12, (last Saturday)’s rainstorm that destroyed Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) installations, residential buildings and places of worship in Lokoja as unfortunate.

She however, called on PHCN to always ensure that their power distribution facilities were properly installed to withstand the predicted stormy weather in 2014 to avert power disruptions, accidents and death from electrocution.

She also charged the people to be mindful of the condition of their roofs and to ensure that they were firmly in place in the strong wind associated with the rains.

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