By Francisca Ogar.
The Nigerian meteorological agency NIMET says it’s 2017 SRP will ensure self sufficiency in food supply.
The incoming DG NIMET, Dr.Sami Machir said this during the opening ceremony to mark the unveiling of this years SRP.
While predicting a wetter start and drier end of the rainy season in 2017, the DG warned that there will be rainfall below normal in Yobe, Bauchi and northern Cross River State among others while Soil to Zamfara, Niger, Ogun and some others will experience rainfall above normal.
The Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika who unveiled the SRP 2017, commended NIMET for a job well done and called on Nigerians to take the prediction seriously.
The agency has warned that” rain fed agricultural production in the country this year needs to be supported by irrigation”.
While the Kaduna State government said the 2016 prediction which it said was 100% accurate had aided agriculture in the state, Gombe State Government gave assurance that they will look into the prediction and take the necessary action.
The outgoing DG Anthony Anuforo recounted the history of the SRP expressing pleasure that NIMET has become an international weather service provider.
Katsina state is expected to have the earliest cessation on the 4th of October.