Dealers crack down on substandard onion seeds after N150bn loss

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has intensified efforts to rid the market of substandard onion seeds, popularly known as Balakure, after its members suffered losses exceeding N150 billion from 2024 to date.

The defective seeds reportedly smuggled into Nigeria from Algeria through land borders in Sabon Birni and Jibia, have been linked to widespread crop failure, affecting over 60% of onion farmers, particularly in the northwestern geo-political zone.

The name Balakure is derived from Lakurawa, the name of a terrorist group notorious in the region.

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Speaking following the arrest of a seed dealer in possession of the compromised seeds at the weekend, NOPPMAN National President, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, decried the economic damage caused by the seeds and pledged the association’s resolve to stamp out their circulation.

“These seeds were brought in during a period of scarcity late last year, and unfortunately, they infiltrated the supply chain. Because onions grow underground, farmers didn’t realise they had been duped until harvest time-when it was too late,” Maitasamu said.

He explained that many farmers lost entire harvests, having invested heavily in land preparation, labour, and inputs.

The association had earlier issued public advisories urging dealers in possession of the seeds to submit them for destruction. While some complied, others reportedly continued to sell them clandestinely.

“One dealer from Kano was arrested today with Balakure seeds. All the onion seeds in his shop, including those he claimed were genuine, have been confiscated.

“We are sending samples for laboratory analysis to verify their authenticity,” Maitasamu said.

He warned that NOPPMAN, in collaboration with security agencies and regulatory bodies, would continue operations against unscrupulous seed dealers until the market is cleansed of the harmful variant.

In his remarks, the Sokoto State Chairman of Seed Marketers, Alhaji Mustapha Galadima, expressed full support for NOPPMAN’s crackdown, pledging the cooperation of genuine seed dealers in the fight against fraudulent practices.