The National Onion Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency in the onion industry nationwide.
The association also called on all the relevant stakeholders, including the government at all levels of the financial house, to rally together for solutions.
Speaking while addressing newsmen in a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the President of NOPPMAN, Isa Aliyu, identified some of the programs being faced by his members, which include the rising cost of onion seedlings, post-harvest losses, inflation as well as climate change and extended rainfall patterns.
Aliyu, also the President of the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, said the current economic situation and rising inflation have a ripple effect on the entire sector.
He said, “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.
“Climate change has introduced new uncertainties into farming with extended rainfall patterns and other unusual weather conditions disrupting the 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 undermined, leaving the entire industry vulnerable.”
He, however, urged government at all levels, MDAs, policymakers at all levels, research institutions, developmental partners, financial institutions, agricultural organizations, and private sector partners to support the industry.
He added, “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.
“We also want the government to address post-harvest losses with the provision of modern storage facilities that can help preserve the quality of onions after harvest as well as reliable transportation systems that can minimize spoilage during transit.”
Aliyu further called on the government at all levels to help members of the association have access to low-interest loans and financial support.
He also called on agricultural research institutions and government bodies to support training programs that will help equip farmers with climate-smart practices.