What grows in Obi
Benue, Nigeria
The 2026 season in Obi
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | March 2026 to November 2026 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,524 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — September looks short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +0.9 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one full main crop, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Obi
-
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 27 Apr 2026 – 30 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
· about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2026 – 4 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 3 Apr 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Mar 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 7 Apr 2026 – 6 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 7 Apr 2026 – 22 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 22 Mar 2026 – 30 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 May 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
· about 13.9 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 3 Apr 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 1 Apr 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 3 Apr 2027 – 6 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 17 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Apr 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 1 Apr 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 19 May 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 22 Mar 2027 – 25 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 17 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 19 Apr 2027 – 17 Aug 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 17 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 7 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 7 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Apr 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 9 Apr 2027 – 17 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 11 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 21 Mar 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 27 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 28 Jun 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 28 Jul 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 28 Jun 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
· about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 8 Jun 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 28 Jul 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 9 Apr 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 9 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Apr 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 32.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PineappleFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Mar 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CassavaFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 19 Apr 2027 – 18 Jul 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 33.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2027 – 7 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CocoaFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 8 Jul 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CoconutFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Oil palmFavourablePlant 9 Apr 2027 – 7 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
SugarcaneFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 51.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 111.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TaroFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 26 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 16 Jun 2027 – 28 Jul 2027 opens in 37 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
· about 13.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Obi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
What Divisi would not plant in Obi
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Robusta coffee Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Unsuitable — Temperature
- Beetroot Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Irish potato Unsuitable
- Lemon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Niger seed Unsuitable — Temperature
- Passion fruit Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sweet pepper Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sweet potato Unsuitable — Temperature
- Swiss chard Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 18 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Obi, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Obi
- 31 August 2026 Avocado — Planting window moved, now opens 18 Jul 2027
- 31 August 2026 Cashew — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Apr 2027
- 31 August 2026 Roselle — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Apr 2027
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Ogbete Main Market
114 km · Yam, Cassava, Cocoyam / Taro, Rice
-
Onitsha Main Market
197 km · Yam, Cassava, Rice, Maize
-
Marché de Foumbot
309 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Carrot, Sweet pepper
Support and extension
- Bank of Agriculture credit facilities
- National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket
- Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
- Institute for Agricultural Research
- National Agricultural Seed Council
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Obi?
African nightshade, Cashew, Cowpea, Green gram, Jute mallow all rate well in Obi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African nightshade in Obi?
In Obi the window for African nightshade runs 27 Apr 2026 to 30 Sep 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Obi?
Divisi does. It reads Obi's own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average, so the planting dates and crop shortlist on this page are the same ones the app works out for a field here — then dates each job for that field, and keeps working with no signal.
Is this exact for my own field?
No — these are readings taken across Obi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.