By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Farmers in Southern Plateau State are raising alarm over an unusual shortfall in rainfall that is already affecting crops and threatening food security in the region.
Communities in Wase, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam, and Qua’an Pan local government areas, which make up the lowland southern zone of the state, are currently witnessing their crops maize, rice, groundnuts, millet, and beans drying up due to a rainfall gap of nearly 30 days.
Speaking with Daily Trust, the farmers expressed fears of losing millions of naira in investments as the crops are yet to reach maturity. They said the short rainfall pattern this year has left many deeply concerned about yield losses.
Yusuf Maidoki, a farmer in Yelwa community, Shendam LGA, said, “I have planted groundnuts in large quantities and expected a bumper harvest, but with this development, I’m worried about the outcome. We hope it rains anytime soon.”
Another farmer, Joseph Domle from Langtang, Langtang LGA, said, “We’re facing short rainfall in our area since the farming season started. We hope it rains soon because the situation is worrisome.”
Daniel Ishaku, a yam farmer from Qua’an Pan LGA, also voiced concern, noting the absence of rainfall in his community and neighbouring villages. “We pray God brings rain to support our farming activities,” he said.
The situation has been further compounded by predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Climate Prediction Centre (CPC), which forecast short rainfall across northern Nigeria between late July and early August.
Last year, farmers in the area experienced a late start to rainfall, followed by a full season. But this year, the rain stopped midway through the growing season, putting crops at risk and threatening livelihoods.