Nigerian onion farmers, and marketers record 50% post-harvest losses

The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) says its members have recorded more than 50 per cent losses within the onion value chain. Aliyu Maitasamu, president of the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa (ROO/WCA) and NOPPMAN, made the disclosure at a press conference in Sokoto on Thursday. According to Mr Maitasamu, rising production costs, post-harvest losses, inflation, and climate change are major challenges confronting onion farmers nationwide. “Over recent months, the cost of onion seedlings has surged to unprecedented levels, drastically impacting our production capacity. “If farmers cannot afford to cultivate, our output will decline, prices will rise, and ultimately, food security across the nation will be at risk,” he said. He further explained that post-harvest losses within the onion value chain in the country currently exceeded 50 per cent. “This means more than half of our production is wasted ...