The Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (OPMAN) has disclosed that the country, through its Onion farming can generate up to N151 billion yearly.
The group’s Secretary-General, Aliyu Maitasamu, made this known at the just concluded 2019 General Assembly of Regional Observatory of the Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, which was held in Sokoto state, Nigeria.
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In his declaration, Maitasamu said Nigeria, the 2nd major Onion producers in Africa, cultivates 1.1 million tonnes, out of the 2.5 million tonnes that’s being demanded in West Africa. He added that Onion production can generate up to $420 million yearly, if it’s potential is fully maximized.
He further stated the challenges farmers go through, with emphasis on storage, leading to about 60% loss on the farm produce, as a result of inadequate storage facility.
The Secretary-General then appeal to the Federal and State Governments to help in the construction of modern markets and storage facilities, as well as to enlighten farmers on new production techniques, and provide improved seedlings.
In his remarks, the President, Regional Observatory of the Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, El-Hadji Kahdiri, said the border closure in Nigeria presently will help boost the production of onion, advising farmers to make use of the opportunity to produce more for local consumption.
According to Kahdiri, participants were collated from 5 African countries, involving Nigeria, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
He then persuaded the Governments and Shareholders to be more involved in creating awareness, update on onion processing and develop its value chain.
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The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Arzuka Tureta, praised the group’s efforts, and promised to lay his support towards the development of agriculture, encouraging farmers to make use of the available farming support.
Early this year, the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), disclosed that the Country can save up to N1.2 trillion from importing cassava products, and generate revenue of about N10 trillion, if the value chain is well explored.
