Use Timely Weather Information to Guide Farming Activities- Farmers Urged

The Upper West Regional Director of Agriculture, Vuozie Frederick Domah, has urged farmers across the region to make the most of every rainfall during the 2026 farming season, warning that the year’s rainfall pattern is expected to be irregular and will require timely farming operations to achieve good yields.

Speaking on the outlook for the farming season, Mr. Domah explained that forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency indicate that this year’s rainfall pattern will differ from the normal seasonal distribution, requiring farmers to adjust their farming practices accordingly.

According to him, rainfall seasons are generally classified as normal, above normal, or below normal, but the 2026 season does not follow the usual pattern.

“But what I would like the public to know is that this year, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the season is not normal. It means we may not receive rainfall the way we normally expect, but that does not mean farmers cannot produce,” he said.

Mr. Domah emphasized that although rainfall may be erratic, farmers can still achieve successful harvests if they take advantage of every rainfall event.

He noted that irregular rains often make it difficult to prepare land, plant crops, and apply fertilizer at the appropriate time.

“When you get even a small amount of rain, quickly do your ploughing and planting. If there is still enough moisture in the soil, apply your fertilizer immediately,” he advised.

He explained that one positive aspect of reduced rainfall is that nutrients from fertilizer are less likely to be washed away through leaching and surface runoff.

“When the rains are not excessive, the fertilizer remains in the soil longer and crops are able to absorb the nutrients more efficiently. As a result, farmers can still see healthy green crop growth despite the reduced rainfall,” he said.

However, the Regional Director cautioned that the dry conditions could also increase the risk of fall armyworm infestations, a major pest that affects maize production.

“When the rains are not coming, fall armyworm becomes a bigger problem because the pest does not thrive under heavy rainfall,” he explained. “You may enjoy the benefits of reduced nutrient loss, but the increased pest pressure can affect crop performance if farmers are not prepared.”

Mr. Domah therefore called on farmers to remain vigilant throughout the season by closely monitoring their fields for signs of fall armyworm infestation and taking prompt control measures whenever necessary.

He stressed that access to timely weather information should guide farming decisions throughout the season.

“This information is important for farmers to plan well. If you get rain, don’t joke with it. Make full use of the opportunity because every rainfall event will be critical to the success of this year’s farming season.”

Mr. Domah’s advice forms part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions while maintaining crop productivity under the government’s Feed Ghana programme, which seeks to strengthen national food production and improve food security.