Farmers lost ₦150bn to fake onion seeds, causing the scarcity, says producers’ president

Isah Aliyu, President of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, shared insights with AYOOLA OLASUPO regarding the ongoing onion shortage and the rising prices in the country.

What factors are contributing to the persistent rise in onion prices across Nigeria?

The problem began in the last quarter of 2024, when flooding devastated parts of Nigeria’s onion-growing regions, particularly in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe, Jigawa, and Maiduguri.

The release of water from the Goronyo and Alau Dams also contributed to the destruction. These events led to the loss of onion crops at various stages, including nursery and harvest.

Furthermore, climate change played a role, particularly in Sokoto, where prolonged rainfall interfered with the growing cycle and facilitated the spread of a destructive fungal disease called purple blotch.

Additionally, the floods impacted the global seed supply, with European countries like Spain and France—sources of onion seeds—also facing their own shortages.

Consequently, seeds became scarce and prices soared, with costs increasing dramatically, from ₦20,000 for 500 grams in 2022 to as high as ₦180,000 by late 2024.

Despite financial availability, the lack of seeds worsened the crisis, leading to a state of emergency declaration by the onion sector in late 2024.

What was the government’s response?

While the National Assembly took some action by reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture, the response from the ministry has been largely unhelpful.

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Development Fund acknowledged the issue, but no immediate intervention has been made.

Consequently, some unpatriotic individuals began importing adulterated seeds from Niger and Algeria, which caused further losses when farmers planted them, only realizing too late that they were not true onion seeds.

What are the estimated losses in onion production?

The onion sector has suffered a loss of about 200,000 metric tons, worth approximately ₦150 billion over two to three months.

Normally, onions are grown in three seasons—wet, off-wet, and dry—but the dry season crop, which is the most significant, has been severely impacted, leading to higher prices.

For example, onions that would normally sell for ₦50,000 are now priced between ₦150,000 and ₦180,000.

How has this crisis affected producers and consumers?

The effects of the scarcity are devastating, especially for farmers whose livelihoods depend solely on onion cultivation.

In Sokoto, for example, entire communities were left in despair as the economic impacts of the shortage undermined their ability to meet basic needs like food, school fees, and health care.

Are there adequate storage facilities for onions?

The lack of proper storage facilities is a significant issue, with most farmers relying on traditional methods like straw and thatch to preserve their crops.

These methods result in substantial losses, with some farmers losing up to 70% of their stored onions. Even though prices have risen, the lack of storage and the high losses continue to impact profits.

What is the impact of insecurity on onion production and distribution?

Insecurity has certainly affected production, with farmers facing threats from bandits, particularly during harvest time when onion traders are most vulnerable.

However, many farmers have adapted to the situation by organizing local security measures, with some relying on community volunteer groups to protect their farms.

How has inflation affected the cost of inputs for onion production?

Inflation has driven up the cost of inputs significantly. Onion seed prices have skyrocketed, from ₦20,000 per bag in 2023 to as much as ₦180,000 in 2024.

Fertilizer costs have also increased, as have herbicide and pesticide prices, which are now significantly higher. This inflationary pressure has exacerbated the challenges faced by onion producers.

Has government policy or intervention worsened the crisis?

While government programs in theory could help, the implementation has been flawed. Aliyu expressed frustration with the lack of response from various ministries, including Agriculture and Humanitarian Affairs, despite multiple attempts to raise the issue.

The inefficiency in handling these programs has contributed to the worsening situation, leaving producers without the necessary support to address the crisis.