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Drought Threatens Harvest in Southern Plateau as Farmers Raise Alarm Over Short Rainfall

Farmers in the southern part of Plateau State have raised serious concerns over the unusually short duration of rainfall this farming season, warning of an impending drought and poor harvest if urgent steps are not taken.

The affected communities, largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture, are already witnessing signs of crop failure, with many farms showing stunted growth and wilting plants due to insufficient water. According to local farmers, the rains that began late this year have been erratic and ended abruptly, disrupting the normal planting cycle.

Speaking to Ideal Reporters, a farmer in Langtang South lamented: “We were hopeful when the rains started, but before our crops could mature, the rains stopped. This is a serious problem, and we don’t know what the outcome will be.”

The situation has sparked fear of looming food insecurity among residents, many of whom rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods.

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have now called on both the Plateau State Government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to urgently respond to the crisis. One major recommendation is the expansion of farming practices beyond the rainy season.

Experts and farmers alike are advocating for the adoption of irrigation farming systems as a sustainable alternative to dependence on seasonal rainfall. By investing in irrigation infrastructure, they argue, farmers can produce crops all year round and reduce the risks posed by climate change and unpredictable weather patterns.

Agricultural extension officers have also emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural practices and government-backed support for smallholder farmers to adapt to the changing environmental realities.

As climate conditions continue to shift globally, the call for proactive and resilient farming systems has become even more urgent. Stakeholders say that unless deliberate steps are taken now, Nigeria risks further strain on its food supply and economic stability.

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