Abia State government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, has released the 2026 Climate Outlook and Agricultural Advisory to farmers in Abia State, informing them that the state would experience above- normal rainfall in 2026.
Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, who released the prediction from NiMET, on Monday, said it was to provide farmers across Abia State with critical guidance to achieve a productive farming season.
Agbaeze said that Abia State is expected to experience above-normal rainfall in 2026, with annual totals ranging between 1,800mm and 2,200mm, as contained in NiMET report.
He said the rainy season is expected to commence between late March and early April and end between late October and early November, lasting approximately 7–8 months, noting that the predicted raining pattern would support multiple cropping cycles.
He, however, warned that the anticipated rainfall may at its peak, increase the risks of flooding especially in some parts of the state in June.
“Peak rainfall is anticipated in June and September, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Farmers are advised to cultivate raised ridges, ensure proper drainage systems, and avoid flood-prone lands for sensitive crops”, Agbaeze said.
The advisory said that short dry spell, commonly known as the August Break, is expected between late July and August and may last 2–3 weeks and advised the farmers to plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant crop varieties, practice staggered planting over 2–3 weeks, and avoid establishing sensitive crops during this period.
It said that yam, maize, and cassava should be planted at rainfall onset between March and April while Rice should be planted between May and June, among other advisory.
The Commissioner for Agriculture who asked farmers to carry out field monitoring to prevent flooding and water logging in June and July, urged them to plant early maturing and flood- resistant varieties.
Above-normal rain coming in 2026 – Abia govt, MiMET tell Abia farmers
