By Olakunle Olafioye
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have initiated discussion to halt post-harvest losses and enhance value addition to the onion value chain.
Our correspondent learnt that post-harvest losses, inefficient market access, and a lack of processing infrastructure had long plagued the onion industry in Nigeria. Therefore, in a strategic move to revolutionise the industry, the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnayelugo M. Ike-Muonso, recently led a team on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, in Lagos to explore collaborative opportunities focused on onion processing and export.
The meeting emphasised the need for partnership to establish a facility to process surplus fresh onions into high-value flakes and powder, primarily for domestic and export markets.
According to the RMRDC DG, onion development would be a massive boom for Nigeria. He also suggested venturing into other raw materials developments like jute bags, and high-market values, among other things.
At the meeting, the Managing Director of BOI expressed optimism and indicated a strong willingness to partner RMRDC. He, however, noted that all necessary variables and factors for success must be critically evaluated before full implementation.
Both organisations agreed to embark on a thorough research and feasibility studies to ensure the project achieves its objectives of reducing post-harvest losses, increasing onion-shelf life, improving farmers’ incomes, and unlocking export opportunities for Nigerian onion products in the global market.
Our correspondent gathered that the problem of post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s onion industry is staggering. The country, it was learnt, produces approximately 2 million metric tons of onions annually. Yet, 50 percent of this produce is lost due to inadequate storage facilities and lack of processing infrastructure, which translate to a whopping annual loss of between ₦300 billion and ₦500 billion ($750 million to $1.25 billion). The situation is further exacerbated by inefficient market access, leaving farmers with limited options to sell their produce.
According to the two institutions, the proposed onion processing facility is expected to minimise waste, create jobs, support industrial growth and national objectives for agricultural industrialisation, ensure food security, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global onion-value chain.