The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has declared a state of emergency in the country’s onion sector due to escalating challenges that threaten the sustainability of the industry. This declaration comes as the association calls for urgent action from government bodies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to tackle the mounting difficulties faced by onion farmers.

Addressing the media during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Isa Aliyu, President of NOPPMAN and the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, outlined the key challenges affecting his members. He pointed to the increasing costs of onion seedlings, the impact of climate change, extended rainfall patterns, and post-harvest losses as the primary factors causing widespread distress in the sector.

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“The soaring costs of essential farm inputs like fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and labor have made it extremely difficult for farmers to maintain profitability,” Aliyu explained. “Moreover, climate change is creating new unpredictabilities, with excessive and untimely rainfall causing crop diseases, waterlogging, and ultimately poor harvests.”

Aliyu emphasized that these challenges have a ripple effect on the entire onion value chain, putting the livelihoods of many farmers at risk. He urged the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary support to ensure the industry’s survival.

In his appeal, Aliyu called for government subsidies on onion seedlings and farming inputs to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers. He also advocated for modern storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses and reliable transportation systems to reduce spoilage during transit. Furthermore, the NOPPMAN President requested access to low-interest loans and financial support, as well as training on climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.