What grows in Etsako Central
Edo, Nigeria
The 2026 season in Etsako Central
| 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 1,375 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — September and October look 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 +0.8 °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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 90% of this area. |
| 90% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 253 growing days · about 1,400 mm · March to November |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 253 growing days · about 1,380 mm · March to November |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Etsako Central
90% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 57 crops
-
CashewFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2026 – 14 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 -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 2 Apr 2026 – 1 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 20 Mar 2026 – 16 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 29 Apr 2026 – 30 Sep 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 12 Apr 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
· about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 4 Apr 2026 – 17 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 4 Apr 2026 – 3 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Apr 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
· about 13.2 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 30 Mar 2027 – 14 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 -
GuavaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Apr 2027 – 4 Aug 2027 opens in 27 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 -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Apr 2027 – 30 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 14 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 6 Apr 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2027 – 22 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 19 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
LimeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
MangoFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 4 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 9 Apr 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 14 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 30 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 24 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 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 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 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Apr 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 15 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 -
EggplantFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 16 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 16 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 25 Jun 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 25 Jun 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Mar 2027 – 30 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PineappleFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.7 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 -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 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 -
CoconutFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 57.7 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 26 Apr 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
· about 35.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 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 -
BananaFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 4 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 27 Mar 2027 – 15 Jul 2027 opens in 25 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 -
LettuceFavourablePlant 27 Jun 2027 – 8 Aug 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
· about 14.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Oil palmFavourablePlant 6 Apr 2027 – 14 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.7 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 -
Robusta coffeeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
TaroFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourablePlant 28 Mar 2027 – 6 Apr 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk
10% sub-humid, warm — 56 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2026 – 27 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 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2026 – 27 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 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2026 – 14 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 -
Green gramFavourablePlant 2 Apr 2026 – 1 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 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 24 Apr 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
· about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 4 Apr 2026 – 17 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 4 Apr 2026 – 3 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 28 Apr 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
· about 13.2 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Apr 2027 – 4 Aug 2027 opens in 27 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 -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 20 Apr 2027 – 28 Jul 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 14 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 16 Apr 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 19 Aug 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 4 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 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Mar 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BananaFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 4 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 May 2027 – 5 Sep 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 20 Apr 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 29 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 -
MangoFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 24 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 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 14 Aug 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 16 Apr 2027 – 24 Aug 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 30 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 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 24 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 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 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 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2027 – 15 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 -
CocoaFavourablePlant 27 Mar 2027 – 15 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourablePlant 6 Apr 2027 – 4 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 15 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 -
EggplantFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 16 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 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 16 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 25 Jun 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 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 25 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 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
PineappleFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.3 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 -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 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 29 Mar 2027 – 30 Aug 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 18 Mar 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Robusta coffeeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CoconutFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.8 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 26 Apr 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.3 t/ha expected
· about 35.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 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 7 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 27 Jun 2027 – 8 Aug 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
· about 14.8 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 Divisi would not plant in Etsako Central
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.
- Swiss chard 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
- Tea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 17 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Etsako Central, 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 Etsako Central
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Maize — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Maize — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Sweet Potato — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
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
-
Onitsha Main Market
108 km · Yam, Cassava, Rice, Maize
-
Ogbete Main Market
131 km · Yam, Cassava, Cocoyam / Taro, Rice
-
Mile 12 Market
346 km · Tomato, Hot pepper, Onion, Yam
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 Etsako Central?
African nightshade, Cashew, Cowpea, Cucumber, Green gram all rate well in Etsako Central — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African nightshade in Etsako Central?
In Etsako Central the window for African nightshade runs 12 Apr 2026 to 27 Sep 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Etsako Central?
Divisi does. It reads Etsako Central'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 Etsako Central, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.