The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) reports that onion farmers are enduring over 50% post-harvest losses due to high production costs, climate challenges, and poor storage infrastructure.
Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, President of NOPPMAN and the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, highlighted these concerns at a recent press conference in Sokoto.
Maitasamu emphasized that the cost of essential inputs like onion seedlings has surged, restricting farmers’ capacity to cultivate and threatening food security.
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Post-harvest losses are further exacerbated by inadequate preservation technology and unreliable transportation.
“More than half of our production is wasted after harvest due to inadequate storage and limited preservation,” Maitasamu said.
The financial burden on farmers has worsened with inflation, affecting their ability to maintain operations. Maitasamu also pointed out climate challenges, including erratic weather and extended rainy seasons, that disrupt onion-growing cycles.
He urged for immediate support from the government, financial institutions, and private sector to stabilize the industry and secure Nigeria’s food supply.
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