NAN-H-14
Agric
By Chidinma Agu
Lagos, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) The delay currently being experienced in recording the first rainfall in the year will not affect farming activities in the coastal areas.
The President of the Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMetS), Prof. Clement Akoshile, said this on Monday in Lagos.
Akoshile told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the water levels in coastal areas were very shallow so the plants would still be enjoying some water until the first rain comes.
”Geographical bearing is very important to determine why the first rain of the year is being delayed.
“’In Lagos, the increase in population and industrial activities could be responsible.
“The increase in various activities in those areas are currently affecting the atmospheric conditions and cloud formation.
“This is restraining rain from falling now.
”However, the effect of the delay on farming activities will not be felt much around the coastal areas,” he said.
Akoshile said that the negative effect of the delay would be felt in hinterlands.
The NMetS president said that the severity of the sun radiation would be noticeable as one moved further away from the coastal areas.
He warned farmers in the hinterland not to start planting now except they were employing irrigation on their farms.
Akoshile advised farmers to exercise patience while assuring them that the raining season would start in a few months time.
NAN reports that Lagos Island, Apapa-Iganmu and Mainland areas of Lagos State experienced light rainfall on Jan.15. (NAN)
ACA/OFN/PAD
=============
Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Peter Dada