Onion Farmers Seek Early Release of Improved Seeds

*Agric Minister Assures Quick Action

The National President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Aliyu Isa, has urged the national seed committee to urgently convene and approve newly developed onion seed varieties to enhance onion production across the country.

Isa said the timely release of the improved seeds would significantly accelerate the production of high-quality onions and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to him, farmers across the country are currently waiting for the committee to complete the approval process for the improved varieties developed for onion farming.

“We are calling on the seed committee to meet as soon as possible so that the variety can be released. This will help fast-track the production of quality onions in Nigeria and improve farmers’ yields,” he said.

The NOPPMAN president also commended the swift intervention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security during the 2024/2025 farming season when farmers faced serious challenges with the onion seed system.

He explained that the ministry quickly stepped in after farmers were affected by the circulation of poor-quality onion seeds imported into the country.

According to Isa, the intervention led to the release of critical farming inputs through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), which helped farmers recover from the losses recorded during that period.

“The ministry responded promptly when our farmers were affected by bad onion seeds. Through NADF, they provided inputs that met the immediate needs of our farmers,” he said.

Isa, however, noted that insecurity remains a major challenge for farmers, especially those operating in rural communities. He identified Sokoto State as one of the areas most affected, explaining that farmers in the region have had to adjust to the difficult security situation to sustain their farming activities.

“Insecurity is a serious challenge and even the government is working hard to address it. For farmers in rural areas like Sokoto State, we have had to adapt in order to continue production,” he added.

The onion farmers’ leader also praised the ministry for directly engaging farmers and distributing seeds, chemicals, and other inputs when the sector experienced difficulties.

He appealed to the ministry to sustain the same proactive approach, particularly in ensuring early distribution of farming inputs.

“We appreciate how the ministry invited farmers and distributed seeds and chemicals directly to them when we had issues. We want that same approach to continue so that farmers can get what they need on time,” Isa stated.

He warned that delays in distributing seeds until later in the rainy season could negatively affect productivity, stressing the need for timely distribution ahead of the 2026 farming season.

“Distribution should not be delayed until September when the rains are already far gone. Seeds and inputs should be released early so farmers can prepare adequately for the season,” he said.

Isa disclosed that improved onion varieties have already been developed and are awaiting final approval for nationwide release.

“We already have improved varieties ready. What we are waiting for now is the final approval so farmers can start using them,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security has reportedly assured onion farmers that the process for approving and releasing the improved seed varieties would be fast-tracked to support increased production and strengthen food security in the country.