The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (NOPPMAN) has declared a state of emergency, urging coordinated action from all relevant stakeholders, including the government and financial institutions.
Speaking at a conference in Abuja on Thursday, the President, NOPPMAN, Isa Aliyu highlighted several critical issues impacting farmers.
Aliyu who is also the regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, added that
climate change and erratic rainfall patterns have disrupted traditional farming cycles, worsening the situation for producers.
“The cost of farm inputs, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and labour has soared, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to break even, let alone turn a profit,” Aliyu stated. “Climate change has introduced new uncertainties into farming with extended rainfall patterns and other unusual weather conditions. This has led to crop diseases, waterlogging, and poor harvests, undermining farmers’ ability to plan and harvest effectively.”
He called on the government at all levels, MDAs, policymakers, research institutions, developmental partners, and financial bodies to rally behind the industry.
He requested targeted subsidies for onion seedlings and essential farming inputs to alleviate the financial burden on farmers.
To combat post-harvest losses, Aliyu advocated for the provision of modern storage facilities to help maintain onion quality and reliable transportation systems to minimise spoilage during transit.
He further stressed the need for access to low-interest loans and financial support to empower farmers and enhance resilience within the sector.
“Supporting farmers with financial assistance and training programs on climate-smart practices is essential,” Aliyu added. urging agricultural, research institutions and government agencies to provide educational resources that equip farmers with the tools needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
