Heavy rainfall threatens wheat farming in Katsina, Nigeria

Unexpected rainfall recorded last Tuesday has posed a serious threat to irrigation farmers in Katsina State, particularly wheat farmers. The rainfall which started from 2.15am lasted for about seven hours; a development that was unprecedented in recent years. Wheat farmers who were gearing for a bumper harvest have been seriously affected by the rain as the crop prefers cold dry weather all through its life span. Nura Garba, an irrigation farmer in Faskari LGA, said whenever it is wet season, wheat harvest suffer a setback. “Cold season is the best for wheat production, hot season affects the quality of the grain. During the harvest, wet season dampens the wheat cobs, making it difficult to be thrashed. The cost of labour in this kind of situation is high as the labourers suffer a lot in thrashing out the grains.” AGRO SOLUTIONS: Tractor running entirely on cow manure launched by Italy-based coy Taraba coffee farmers struggle amid funding challenges Garba added that Tuesday’s ...