The Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria has attributed the sharp increase in onion prices to the 2024 floods and climate change. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the Association’s National President, Mr. Aliyu Isah, highlighted the extensive damage caused to onion farms, especially in northern Nigeria, as a major factor behind the price surge.
According to Isah, floods devastated key onion-producing states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Adamawa. The release of water from dams, such as Goroyo Dam in Sokoto, and dam breakages in Borno State further worsened the situation.
The impact of these disasters has led to onion scarcity and a dramatic rise in prices. A bag of onions now sells for between N250,000 and N270,000, compared to N70,000 to N90,000 in earlier quarters. Similarly, a medium-sized bulb of onion costs around N500, up from N50.
Extended rainfall in 2024 led to increased humidity and triggered a widespread disease outbreak, Downy Mildew, which ravaged onion farms at various stages of cultivation. Many farms suffered losses at the seedling, nursery, and harvest stages.
Additionally, the scarcity of quality onion seedlings compounded the crisis. Isah alleged that the importation of adulterated onion seeds by some individuals resulted in poor yields, with many farmers planting seeds that failed to produce bulbs.
Beyond production, inadequate storage technology has also contributed to the crisis. Isah noted that over 50% of harvested onions are lost due to poor storage facilities, further exacerbating scarcity and driving up prices.
The Association urged stakeholders to invest in better storage facilities, improved seed production, and climate-resilient farming techniques to address the challenges facing the onion industry. Without immediate intervention, the cost of onions may continue to rise, affecting both farmers and consumers.
