NiMet DG forecasts livestock disease outbreaks

The new Director-General (DG) of Nigerian Meterological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, said the expected heat stress may continue throughout the year causing outbreak of heat-related disease and he advised farmers to arrange for alternative sources of water for their livestock during the period.

“The relevant authorities should also encourage farmers to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry through provision of ranches and fodder for livestock as well as ensuring controlled grazing of animals to reduce clashes among farm owners and herdsmen,” he noted.

It was also predicted that “food production is expected to be less than normal due to shorter growing season length over large parts of the country.”

Crop farmers across the country, especially in the north, were advised to plant early maturing and drought resistant varieties to avoid the dangers of the predicted longer days of dry spells.

The Special Adviser to Katsina State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Abba Y. Yakubu, advised farmers, state governments and other stakeholders to heed the genuine scientific forecasts of NiMet to ensure food security in the nation.