Onion farmers in Nigeria’s Jigawa State have suffered significant losses, with nearly N1 billion Naira worth of produce wasted due to the use of substandard seeds during the last rainy season. The Chairman of the Jigawa Onion Farmers Association, Malam Dauda Marma, revealed this information in an interview with a local radio station.
According to Marma, dishonest traders distributed poor-quality onion seeds imported from Morocco to farmers in the state. These seeds were supplied through neighboring Kebbi and Yobe States, resulting in substantial losses for the farmers. The use of substandard seeds has had a devastating impact on the onion farming industry in Jigawa, with many farmers struggling to recover from the losses.
Marma warned that the association will take strict action against anyone found selling substandard seeds in the future, stating that offenders will face the full extent of the law. This move aims to protect farmers from further losses and ensure the quality of seeds used in the state.
In an effort to boost the onion farming industry, the Jigawa Onion Farmers Association is working towards establishing a dedicated onion market in Marma town, Kirikasamma Local Government Area. This initiative has garnered interest from several African countries, which could potentially lead to increased demand for Jigawa’s onions. The establishment of a specialized market is expected to enhance the state’s onion farming sector and provide better opportunities for farmers.
The loss of nearly N1 billion Naira worth of produce is a significant setback for the onion farming industry in Jigawa State. However, with the association’s efforts to establish a dedicated market and crack down on substandard seeds, there is potential for growth and recovery. As the demand for onions from Jigawa continues to rise, the state’s farmers may be able to rebound from their losses and establish themselves as major players in the regional market.
