Why onion farmers are forecasting low harvest

Onion farmers in Kano State and other onion-producing regions in Nigeria are facing a looming crisis as poor seed quality threatens yields, raising concerns over availability and pricing in the market. Despite last year’s bumper harvest, this season’s production is projected to decline due to the widespread use of imported onion seeds that failed to meet expectations.

The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has confirmed that many farmers unknowingly purchased low-quality seeds, expecting them to improve yields. Farmers report spending heavily—some as much as ₦800,000—on their farms, only to find their crops underperforming. The situation has sparked fears of onion scarcity, potentially driving prices even higher during lean seasons.

The crisis stems from increased demand for Nigerian onions domestically and internationally, prompting many farmers to expand cultivation and source seeds from unverified vendors. While the recently introduced Takahe onion seed—promoted under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP)—has delivered impressive yields, farmers who switched to alternative imported seeds are now facing major losses.

NOPPMAN has formally raised concerns with relevant authorities, urging government intervention to prevent future occurrences and ensure seed quality regulation. Industry experts stress the need for stringent seed certification processes to protect farmers from investing in substandard agricultural inputs.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholder
The challenges faced by Kano’s onion farmers highlight key lessons and strategic actions required to ensure sustainable onion production and protect Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

1. The Critical Role of Seed Quality and Certification
   Quality seed is fundamental to agricultural productivity. The widespread failure of imported seeds underscores the urgent need for stronger seed regulation, certification, and monitoring to prevent farmers from investing in poor-quality inputs. Government agencies such as the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) must enforce stricter import controls and enhance local seed production systems to ensure farmers access reliable seeds.
2. Strengthening Nigeria’s Domestic Seed Industry
   The success of the Takahe onion variety demonstrates the potential of investing in locally adapted seed varieties. Encouraging research and development partnerships between agronomists, seed companies, and government agencies will help develop high-yield, climate-resilient onion varieties suited for Nigerian conditions.
3. Post-Harvest Management and Market Stability
   While seed quality is a pressing concern, effective storage and market linkages remain critical for stabilizing onion supply. Increased investment in storage infrastructure—such as improved warehouses and climate-controlled facilities—will help mitigate post-harvest losses and ensure a steady market supply, preventing extreme price fluctuations.
4. The Need for Farmer Education and Extension Services
   Farmers need continuous access to extension services and agronomic training to make informed decisions on seed selection and farm management. Strengthening farmer cooperatives and providing extension support can help ensure that only high-quality, approved seeds are used.
5. Policy and Financial Support for Farmers
   With many onion farmers facing financial strain due to poor yields, targeted financial interventions—such as subsidized inputs, access to credit, and crop insurance—can help them recover and reinvest in quality seed varieties. Additionally, government support in regulating onion trade policies will prevent market distortions and protect local farmers.

The crisis in Kano’s onion sector serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in Nigeria’s agribusiness space. Investing in seed quality control, farmer education, post-harvest solutions, and financial support will ensure a more resilient and profitable onion industry. Moving forward, a proactive approach to agricultural regulation and market stabilization will be essential in preventing similar disruptions.