The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged farmers to prepare for impending rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted between 28 and 30 July 2025, following a Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) advisory.

NiMet predicts afternoon and evening showers of light to moderate intensity across multiple local government areas, which could disrupt critical farming activities including land preparation, fertiliser application, and crop harvesting. The ministry warned that regions with poor drainage systems or proximity to water channels face heightened risks of temporary flooding and soil erosion.

Despite current dry conditions, the ministry advised farmers to:

- Secure farm equipment and harvested produce

- Reinforce drainage channels in vulnerable areas

- Adjust planting schedules to avoid waterlogging

- Monitor real-time weather updates via NiMet platforms

The advisory aligns with Kwara's proactive agricultural risk management strategy ahead of the rainy

season's peak. The Ministry advises farmers to take the following steps before the rains begin:

- Hold off fertilizer application to avoid wash-off and waste.

- Harvest matured crops early to prevent spoilage from sudden downpours.

- Clear blocked drainage channels around farms to reduce water buildup.

- Delay spraying activities during periods of strong wind or forecasted rain.

- Secure sheds and protect livestock, especially young animals and poultry, from possible cold or exposure.

Extension officers under the State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) have been placed on standby across all zones to provide field support where necessary. Farmers are encouraged to engage with their local extension officers for location-specific advice and report any unusual field conditions promptly.

This forecast serves as an early warning. Farmers are encouraged to use the available window to secure their farms, protect stored produce, and adjust their work plans before the rains begin.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting farmers with practical guidance and timely response. Farmers should take this forecast seriously and act swiftly to minimize disruptions and safeguard their livelihoods.