The past few weeks in Ilorin have been a testament to nature’s unpredictability. With almost a month-long break in rainfall, our resilient cassava and potato smallholder farmers are undoubtedly facing significant challenges. At AyosifamHub, we understand the anxieties that come with such dry spells, and we’re here to provide practical, actionable strategies to help you navigate these testing times and protect your valuable crops.
Understanding the Impact:
Both cassava and potatoes, while relatively hardy, are susceptible to prolonged drought. Cassava, while known for its drought tolerance, can experience significantly reduced tuber yield and quality during severe water stress, especially at critical growth stages. Leaves may wilt and drop, and the plant’s overall vigor can decline. Potatoes are even more sensitive to water shortages, which can lead to smaller, lower-quality tubers and even cracking or deformities. Yields can be drastically cut.
Immediate Actions for Farmers:
Here’s what you can do right now to mitigate the effects of the dry spell. First, prioritize and protect young plants. Younger cassava and potato plants are more vulnerable. If you have any water available (even small amounts from a well or borehole), prioritize giving it to them. Consider creating small, shallow basins around individual plants to help capture any dew or minimal moisture.
Second, mulching is your best friend. If you haven’t already, now is the time to apply a thick layer of mulch around your plants. This could be dried grass, cassava stalks from previous harvests, wood shavings, or even old crop residues. Mulching helps in several ways: it retains soil moisture by reducing evaporation directly from the soil surface, regulates soil temperature by keeping the soil cooler, and suppresses weeds that compete for precious water.
Third, focus on weed control. Aggressively remove any weeds from your farm. Weeds compete directly with your cassava and potato plants for the limited water available in the soil. Hand-weeding is ideal to avoid disturbing the soil too much, which can also lead to moisture loss.
Fourth, consider partial harvesting for cassava. For mature cassava that is already struggling, consider harvesting some of the tubers now before they are completely lost. While not ideal for maximizing yield, it’s a way to salvage some of your produce.
Finally, provide shade for potatoes. If possible, give your potato plants some temporary shade during the hottest parts of the day. This can be done with tall grasses, old sacks, or by carefully positioning larger cassava leaves to cast a shadow. Shade reduces transpiration (water loss from leaves) and protects plants from direct sun scorch.
Longer-Term Strategies (Looking Ahead):
While immediate action is crucial, let’s also think about future resilience. You should choose drought-resistant varieties when sourcing new planting materials. Ask your local agricultural extension officer or AyosifamHub about drought-tolerant varieties of cassava and potatoes that are suitable for our region. Varieties like TMS 98/0581 and IITA-TMS-IBA961632 have been identified as drought-tolerant.
Explore simple water harvesting techniques like digging small trenches or ponds during the rainy season to collect and store water for drier periods. Over time, continuously adding organic matter (compost, manure) to your soil will improve its water-holding capacity. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, retaining moisture for longer. Lastly, practice crop rotation to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure, making your plants stronger against stress.
Stay Connected with AyosifamHub:
We know these times are tough, but remember you are not alone. AyosifamHub is committed to supporting Ilorin’s farming community. We believe in the power of shared knowledge and community.
Don’t lose hope! With proactive measures and community support, we can help our farms weather this dry spell and bounce back stronger. Please leave your comments and views below. Share your experiences, ask questions, and let’s learn from each other.
