The Kogi State Government and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) have called on residents to pray for divine intervention as the state grapples with a severe drought that is endangering farm crops and food security.
Speaking in an interview with the journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, and AFAN Chairman, Alhaji Salihu Adobayi, expressed their concerns over the prolonged dry spell, which has persisted for over a month.
Ojomah highlighted the serious implications of the drought, emphasizing that the lack of rain could significantly undermine the state’s agricultural efforts and threaten food production.
“We have to resort to prayers for God to send rain to us in Kogi because we may not achieve the desired food production and security,” he stated.
He pointed out that the drought has severely impacted crops such as rice and maize, particularly those nearing maturity.
“I visited my maize farm yesterday, and it was a pitiful situation.
“Before the drought, what we saw in most farms across the state was very encouraging,”
Ojomah noted that the government had provided over 8,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of rice, maize, and cassava.
Despite the current challenges, Ojomah remained hopeful, referencing the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) prediction of heavy rainfall beginning August 18.
He said: “If the rain falls, there is hope that some crops can be saved. But if it persists, then it will not augur well for us because the crops depend on water to survive.”
In response to the ongoing drought, the state government is considering a shift toward full mechanized farming, with plans to provide solar-powered water pumps to farmers.
“We think that’s the way to go because fossil fuel is not cheap, and prices are rising. By investing in solar water pumps, farming in the state won’t be limited to the rainy season but can continue year-round,” Ojomah explained.
Similarly, AFAN Chairman Alhaji Salihu Adobayi acknowledged the significant impact of the drought on the state’s agricultural plans, noting that many crops were close to drying up.
“We have resorted to serious prayers in groups, begging God for rain to fall on our crops and save the situation,” he said.
Adobayi expressed optimism that with the introduction of solar water pumps, Kogi State could enhance its food production and overcome the challenges posed by the current drought and any future occurrences.
“All the same, all hope is not lost. We believe God can still help us to experience a bumper harvest this year,” he added.
