…farmers in Jigawa state put their loss at over N1 billion
Nigeria`s Onion farmers are expected to incur financial losses running into several billions of Naira, due to the use of substandard seeds in the previous rainy season, industry experts stated.
The fact is coming against the backdrop of recent disclosure indicating that Onion Farmers in the northwest state of Jigawa have recorded an estimated loss of about N1 billion already, as a result of the use of substandard onion seeds.
Onion farming provides employment opportunities along the entire value chain, including farming, harvesting, transportation, and marketing for a large number of people in the onion-growing belt of northern Nigeria.
The cultivation of the commodity serves as a vital source of livelihood for most of the rural communities in the region, particularly during the peak harvesting period, which is usually performed by women.
Confirming the development, Aliyu Maitasamu Isah, national president, National Onion Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), confided that many farmers have lost billions due to counterfeit onion seeds, a development that could exacerbate scarcity of the commodity.
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Onion is a crucial commodity that plays a significant role in various cuisines worldwide, and with the rise in demand for onions globally, the crop failure being recorded in Nigeria could trigger a high cost of the commodity for households and industrial consumers in the days ahead.
Onion is a staple ingredient in many dishes and cuisines, rich in flavour and nutrients that make it a popular choice among consumers. Due to their versatility and long shelf life, onions have a high demand in both fresh and processed forms.
Also confirming the development, Dauda Marma, chairman of the Jigawa Onion Farmers Association, disclosed during an interview recently that the substandard seeds that caused the heavy crop failure were imported from Morocco and distributed to farmers by unscrupulous traders, revealing that the seeds entered Jigawa State through Kebbi and Yobe States.
“The issue of counterfeit seeds is not isolated to Jigawa, as farmers across Nigeria have faced similar challenges, contributing to a broader scarcity and high prices of onions nationwide in the past.
“Beyond substandard seeds, other factors have contributed to the challenges faced by onion farmers. Flooding has ravaged onion crops in numerous northern states, including Jigawa, leading to estimated damages in the region of N300 billion and significantly impacting onion prices”, Dauda stated.
The severe effects of climate change, resulting in prolonged rainfall, have also devastated onion plants at various growth stages.
According to the global trade data and onion export data, the total value of onion exports reached $5 billion in 2024 globally, a slight decline of two (2) in the previous onion farming year.
In the first quarter of 2025 (Q1), over 472 thousand metric tons of onions were exported worldwide, compared to the first quarter of (Q1) of 2024, when 408 thousand metric tons were exported, which indicates a 15.5% increase.
Onion exports contribute significantly to the economy of several countries, generating revenue, creating job opportunities, and fostering international trade relations. The Netherlands, China, Mexico, India, and the USA are the top five exporters of onions. Nearly three-fifths (57.1%) of all onions shipped in 2024 were sold by that group of significant exporters.
West Africa remained the top market, with Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire together said to be accounting for 73% of purchases, and the United Arab Emirates also emerged as a new destination, importing 5,500 tons.
Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco are the top onion-producing countries in Africa, with Nigeria producing about 2 million tons of Onions annually, most of which are consumed locally.
Morocco’s onion industry earned $238 million in the 2024/2025 planting season, almost six times more than the $38 million recorded a year earlier, a report generated by EastFruit, a research company, disclosed.
“In recent years, the onion industry has emerged as a vital component of agricultural commerce across Africa, contributing significantly to the economies of several countries within the continent. Characterised by its adaptability and high demand, onion cultivation spans the diverse agro-ecological zones of Africa, from the arid Sahel region to the humid tropics of West Africa.
“This crop’s dual role as both a culinary staple and a key ingredient in various traditional medicines underscores its cultural and economic importance. The industry’s dynamics, driven by factors such as climatic conditions, farming practices, and market access, reflect a complex interplay that shapes production volumes, quality, and ultimately, the livelihoods of millions engaged in onion farming and trade”, the report noted.
Africa boasts a diverse range of onion varieties, adapted to different climatic conditions and soil types. Varieties such as Red Creole, Bombay Red, and Texas Grano are cultivated in regions with varying temperatures and rainfall patterns, showcasing the adaptability of onions to local environments.
African countries with surplus production, like Egypt and Niger, serve not only their domestic markets but also export onions to neighbouring countries and beyond, and this trade is crucial for regional food security and supports the livelihoods of millions involved in the onion value chain.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, aiming to create a continent-wide free trade area, could further enhance the trade of agricultural commodities like onions by reducing tariffs and simplifying customs procedures, potentially boosting intra-African trade. To enhance export competitiveness, investment in infrastructure, such as cold storage facilities and transportation networks, is crucial.
Additionally, fostering partnerships with international buyers and participating in trade fairs and exhibitions can help African onion exporters showcase their products and expand their market reach.
The onion industry in Africa faces several challenges, including vulnerability to pests and diseases, a lack of modern storage facilities leading to post-harvest losses, and the impacts of climate change.
“However, there are significant opportunities for growth and improvement. Investments in improved agricultural techniques, better storage and processing facilities, and enhanced market access through digital platforms can help stabilise prices and reduce losses, potentially increasing profitability for farmers and distributors alike.
“The key challenge for the next season will be sustaining these levels despite persistent drought and the withdrawal of subsidy programs”, industry experts said.
Additionally, the scarcity of quality imported onion seeds, traditionally sourced from countries like France, Holland, and Thailand, has driven up seed prices, making it difficult for farmers to acquire necessary inputs. For instance, 500 grammes of onion seeds, which cost N20,000 in 2022-2023, surged to N180,000 by the end of last year.
The Jigawa Onion Farmers Association is also said to be working towards establishing an onion market in Marma town, Kirikasamma Local Government Area, to further boost onion farming and cater to interest from other African countries.
