The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has revealed that farmers are facing over 50% post-harvest losses due to high production costs, climate challenges, and poor storage infrastructure.
Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, President of both NOPPMAN and the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa (ROO/WCA), stated these concerns in a recent press conference in Sokoto.
According to Maitasamu, the cost of cultivating onions has skyrocketed due to increased prices of seedlings and other essential farm inputs.
“Over recent months, the cost of onion seedlings has surged to unprecedented levels, drastically impacting our production capacity. If farmers cannot afford to cultivate, our output will decline, prices will rise, and ultimately, food security across the nation will be at risk,” Maitasamu stated.
He warned that these rising costs pose a threat to food security as they discourage farmers from cultivating at previous levels urging swift action to alleviate these challenges.
“This means more than half of our production is wasted after harvest due to inadequate storage, limited preservation technology, and unreliable transportation,” he explained.
“This financial strain hampers farmers’ ability to maintain operations and discourages investments in new technologies or expansion,” he explained.
“As our farmers contend with these unpredictable conditions, their ability to plan, plant, and harvest effectively is compromised, leaving the entire industry vulnerable,” he stated.
Maitasamu urged the government, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to step in and support the onion industry through policy initiatives and financial aid.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and stabilize Nigeria’s food supply.