Johnson Ebokpo, Cross Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development.
By Lanre Shodimu
As the 2026 farming season sets to commence accross the country, Government at all levels are putting in place measures at ensuring that farmers achieve better yields this planting season.
The Cross River State government, south South Nigeria has put out a comprehensive plan to help farmers combat the impact of impending floods, advising early cultivation and crop diversification strategies to minimize losses.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, stated that the measures are in response to Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts predicting above-average rainfall and increased flood risk in the state.
Johnson Ebokpo explained that “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the 2026 weather forecast predicts above-average rainfall in Cross River State, with 1,800–2,200 mm of rainfall in the coastal areas and 1,500–1,800 mm in the inland areas.
He added that “that there is also a potential for flooding in low-lying areas, with a 30% increase in flood risk in August and September, and a 20% increase in October and November.
“Additionally, the forecast indicates an early onset of the rainy season, delayed onset of the dry season, increased frequency of early rainfall events in low-lying areas, and a shift in optimal planting and harvesting periods”, the commissioner said.
Based on this report, the commissioner made it know that these projected changes will affect Cross River State’s farming calendar hence the need for precautionary measures.
“It is therefore important for farmers to prepare for early cultivation to enable harvesting before the peak flood period.
“Farmers are also encouraged to protect their crops against pests and diseases through integrated pest management practices.
“Farmers should also inter crop cowpea and soya bean with staple crops such as maize, cassava, rice, yam, as well as tree crops like cocoa, coffee, plantain, and oil palm during their early stages of development.
“These crops can be cultivated at both homestead and commercial levels across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, as revealed in last year’s Cowpea Development Initiative report”, he said.
