The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has declared a state of emergency in the nation’s onion industry.
The association urged all relevant stakeholders, including various government levels, financial institutions, and others, to collaborate on finding solutions.
During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, NOPPMAN President, Isa Aliyu, highlighted the challenges faced by members, which include rising costs of onion seedlings, post-harvest losses, inflation, climate change, and extended rainfall patterns.
Aliyu, who also serves as President of the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, explained that the current economic challenges and soaring inflation are negatively impacting the industry.
He stated, “The cost of farm inputs, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and labor has soared, with farmers finding it increasingly difficult to break even, let alone turn a profit.
Climate change has introduced new uncertainties into farming, with extended rainfall patterns and other unusual weather conditions disrupting the traditional growing cycles.”
He further elaborated, “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.”
Aliyu called on the government at all levels, MDAs, policymakers, research institutions, development partners, financial entities, agricultural organizations, and the private sector to support the struggling industry.
He emphasized the need for subsidies and interventions, saying, “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.”
Additionally, he urged the government to address post-harvest losses by providing modern storage facilities to preserve onion quality after harvest and by improving transportation systems to reduce spoilage during transit.
Aliyu also called for greater access to low-interest loans and financial support for association members.
He appealed to agricultural research institutions and government bodies to back training programs that would equip farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices, enhancing resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
