Kehinde Fajobi
The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has declared a state of emergency in the country’s onion industry, urging all relevant stakeholders to collaborate on finding solutions to the sector’s mounting challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, NOPPMAN President Isa Aliyu highlighted a series of pressing issues affecting the industry, including the rising cost of onion seedlings, post-harvest losses, inflation, and the impact of climate change.
Aliyu, who also serves as the President of the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, stressed that the current economic environment and inflationary pressures are severely impacting the sector.
“The cost of farm inputs, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and labour has soared, with farmers finding it increasingly difficult to break even, let alone turn a profit,” Aliyu said.
He also pointed out that climate change has introduced new challenges, such as extended rainfall patterns and unpredictable weather conditions that disrupt traditional growing cycles.
“The excessive rain at unexpected times has led to crop diseases, waterlogging, and poor harvests. As farmers contend with uncertainty, their ability to plan, plant, and harvest effectively is being undermined, leaving the entire industry vulnerable,” he added.
Aliyu called on the government at all levels, policymakers, research institutions, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to urgently support the industry.
He suggested several measures, including subsidies for onion seedlings and essential farming inputs to ease the financial burden on farmers.
“We request that the government and relevant agencies consider subsidies for onion seedlings and essential farming inputs to alleviate the financial burden on our farmers,” he said.
The NOPPMAN president also appealed for the provision of modern storage facilities to tackle post-harvest losses and improve transportation systems to minimise spoilage during transit.
He further urged government bodies to help association members gain access to low-interest loans and financial support.
Aliyu also called for training programs to equip farmers with climate-smart farming practices, which could help them better adapt to the changing weather conditions.
“We want the government to address post-harvest losses with the provision of modern storage facilities and reliable transportation systems,” Aliyu concluded.