The dry season does not have to stop your farming. With a rain gun irrigation set, you can water a large farm the way rain does, and keep planting and harvesting from November to March when prices of fresh produce are often higher. In this guide, Ajara Farm Tools Stores explains what a rain gun is, how it works, which crops it suits, and how to set it up on your farm in Nigeria.
What is a rain gun?
A rain gun is a large sprinkler that throws water high into the air and spreads it over a wide circle, like rainfall. It sits on a stand and turns slowly as it sprays, so one gun can water a big area before you move it to the next spot. Because it covers so much ground, a rain gun is one of the cheapest ways to irrigate a medium or large farm.
What comes in the Ajara rain gun set?
Our Gasoline 6.5HP Complete Rain Gun Set comes ready to use:
- 6.5HP petrol water pump – draws water from your source and pushes it to the gun. No electricity needed.
- Rain gun on a stand – sprays water over a wide circle.
- 100 metre delivery hose – carries water from the pump to the field.
How rain gun irrigation works
- Place the pump close to your water source: a river, stream, pond, dam, well or borehole tank.
- Put the suction pipe into the water and connect the 100m hose to the pump outlet.
- Set the rain gun on its stand in the field and connect the other end of the hose.
- Start the pump. Water rises up the gun and sprays out in a circle as the gun turns.
- When that area is well watered, switch off, move the gun to the next spot and repeat.
Crops that do well with a rain gun
- Maize and other grains
- Vegetables such as pepper, tomato, okra, amaranth (efo) and cucumber
- Watermelon and other fruit crops
- Young plantain, banana and orchard trees
- Pasture and grass for cattle, goats and sheep
- Nurseries and large gardens
Benefits of a rain gun over watering by hand
- Farm all year round: plant in the dry season and sell when supply is low.
- Saves labour: one person can water what would take many people with buckets and watering cans.
- Covers a wide area: fewer pipes and less setup than drip lines on a big field.
- Works anywhere: the petrol pump means no need for electricity on the farm.
- Cools crops: the fine spray also lowers heat stress on plants in hot weather.
Rain gun vs sprinkler: which do you need?
| Feature | Rain gun | Small sprinkler system |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Very wide circle from one gun | Smaller circles, many heads |
| Best for | Medium and large farms, pasture | Gardens, nurseries, small plots |
| Pump needed | Yes, a strong pump (6.5HP included) | Depends on the system |
| Setup | Move the gun around the field | Fixed lines across the plot |
For smaller plots, see our Agricultural Sprinkler Irrigation System. For bigger fields, the rain gun set is the better choice.
Tips to get the best from your rain gun
- Water early in the morning or in the evening so less water is lost to heat and wind.
- Keep the suction end clean and off the mud so sand does not enter the pump.
- Check the pump engine oil before each use and clean the air filter often.
- Overlap watering circles slightly so no dry patches are left between them.
- Lay the hose straight with no sharp bends so water flows freely.
- Drain and store the hose out of the sun after use so it lasts longer.
How to order from Ajara Farm Tools Stores
Ajara Farm Tools Stores (ajarafarmtoolstores.com) is based at Suite 9, NCWC Complex, Samonda, Ibadan, and delivers farm equipment across Nigeria. Our prices are fixed, so the price you see on the product page is the price you pay.
- Delivery: free delivery in Lagos and Ibadan. For other states, a commitment fee of at least ₦10,000 (depending on your location) is paid before your order is processed.
- Delivery time: 2–3 working days outside Lagos and Ibadan, depending on location.
- Payment: pay on delivery by cash or transfer.
- Order: tap the order button on the product page, chat with us on WhatsApp (0814 905 3154), or call 0814 905 3154 or 0916 229 8344.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm.
Our team will call you to confirm your order, so please keep your phone close.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need electricity to use the rain gun set?
No. The set comes with a 6.5HP petrol water pump.
What water source can I use?
Any steady source of clean water: a river, stream, pond, dam, well or a borehole storage tank.
Is now a good time to buy a rain gun?
Yes. The dry season usually starts around November in most parts of Nigeria, so setting up before then means your crops never go thirsty.
See all our irrigation equipment at ajarafarmtoolstores.com or chat with us on WhatsApp. Click to order today.