Bulbs of gold in the North, a phrase that perfectly captures the essence of onion farming in Northern Nigeria, where millions of farmers till the land in hope and hardship, cultivating one of the nation’s most valuable yet vulnerable crops. The onion, though small in size, represents an economic lifeline for countless households across the savannahs of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and beyond. Its pungent scent fills the markets, its layered form tells a story of resilience, and its journey from soil to kitchen mirrors the trials and triumphs of the Nigerian farmer.
In the northern plains, where the soil turns golden under the afternoon sun, onions grow as both a symbol of sustenance and survival. The crop has become deeply embedded in the agricultural identity of the region, forming an integral part of both the rural economy and national food supply. For decades, onion farming has been a source of livelihood for smallholder farmers who depend on seasonal cycles, irrigation networks, and the whims of weather. Yet, behind the thriving trade and market bustle lies a struggle, one that reveals the fragile state of agricultural productivity in the country.
Northern Nigeria remains the beating heart of onion production, accounting for over 90 percent of the nation’s total output. States such as Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Kaduna dominate the scene, producing nearly two million metric tonnes annually. The region’s semi-arid climate, coupled with its fertile loamy soils, provides an ideal environment for onion cultivation. Both the rainy and dry seasons are used for production, though farmers prefer the dry season due to the better control of irrigation and reduced risk of crop diseases.
In villages like Goronyo in Sokoto, Bagudo in Kebbi, and Kura in Kano, onions are not just crops; they are currencies of survival. Entire communities revolve around them. From nursery preparation to transplanting, from watering to harvesting, every stage demands precision and patience. Farmers rise before dawn to irrigate their plots, often using traditional methods — drawing water from wells, streams, or dams with pumps and hoses. For many, this is not merely work; it is a generational heritage, passed down from fathers to sons, sustained by hope and hard labor.
However, the beauty of the onion belt masks a deep-seated vulnerability. In recent years, climate change has emerged as the greatest threat to onion production in Northern Nigeria. Unpredictable rainfall, excessive flooding, and prolonged droughts have disrupted the traditional farming calendar. The devastating floods of 2024, for instance, destroyed thousands of hectares of onion farms across Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kano. What was once a promise of prosperity turned into a harvest of tears. Entire farmlands were submerged, seedlings washed away, and farmers left counting their losses as the price of onions skyrocketed nationwide.
This climatic turbulence has also led to an increase in plant diseases, particularly fungal infections like downy mildew, which thrive in damp and humid conditions. When the rains overstay their welcome, the bulbs rot before they reach maturity. When the heat becomes too intense, water scarcity stifles growth. For the average farmer who depends solely on nature, each season becomes a gamble. The uncertainty pushes many into debt, while others abandon their fields altogether in search of alternative livelihoods.
Beyond the climate, the scarcity and poor quality of onion seeds have compounded the crisis. Farmers frequently complain about adulterated seeds that fail to germinate or produce stunted bulbs. Nigeria’s dependence on imported hybrid seeds from countries such as the Netherlands and India exposes local growers to fluctuating costs and unreliable supplies. In some cases, unscrupulous dealers flood the market with counterfeit seeds, luring desperate farmers who end up losing their entire investments. This problem underscores a critical gap in Nigeria’s agricultural system, the lack of a sustainable local seed production program.
Another silent challenge lies in post-harvest losses. While farmers put in immense effort to grow onions, nearly half of the total harvest is lost due to poor storage and handling. Onions, being perishable, require careful drying, aeration, and protection from moisture. Yet most farmers lack access to proper storage facilities. The traditional method involves storing onions in open sheds or heaps, exposing them to pests and decay. When supply floods the market after harvest, prices crash; months later, when the produce is scarce, prices surge to unbearable levels. This cycle of waste and scarcity reflects the absence of a reliable storage and distribution network.
The economic implications are far-reaching. In early 2025, the price of a bag of onions reportedly rose from around seventy thousand naira to over two hundred and fifty thousand naira, forcing households and restaurants to rethink their menus. For many Nigerians, the onion, once a humble kitchen staple, became a luxury ingredient. Farmers, ironically, did not benefit much from these soaring prices, as most had already lost their crops or sold at low prices during the harvest glut. Traders and middlemen, controlling transportation and market access, often dictated the final price, leaving producers at the mercy of the market chain.
Infrastructure deficiencies further complicate the situation. Poor rural roads make it difficult to transport onions from remote farms to urban markets, leading to additional spoilage. The absence of cold chain systems, erratic electricity supply, and lack of modern packaging facilities continue to limit Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international onion trade. While countries like Niger and Egypt export large volumes to neighboring nations, Nigeria struggles to meet even its domestic demand consistently.
Yet amid the challenges, hope persists. Many agricultural experts and organizations are now advocating for improved seed systems, climate-resilient farming practices, and modern storage technologies. The establishment of onion storage facilities in Kano and Sokoto marks a significant step toward reducing post-harvest losses. These facilities, if expanded and properly managed, could revolutionize the onion value chain by allowing farmers to preserve their produce for months and sell when prices are favorable.
Moreover, irrigation innovations hold immense promise. The introduction of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems in certain communities has increased efficiency and reduced water wastage. Farmers adopting these techniques report higher yields and better-quality bulbs. Similarly, integrating organic manure with chemical fertilizers has proven to enhance soil fertility and bulb size, as confirmed by agricultural studies in Kebbi and Jigawa.
Government involvement, though inconsistent, remains essential. Policies that provide affordable credit to farmers, regulate seed distribution, and invest in rural infrastructure could drastically improve the situation. The success of onion farming depends not only on the farmer’s skill but also on institutional support. When governments collaborate with research institutes and private investors, the result is sustainable growth that benefits all players across the value chain.
Education and extension services are equally crucial. Many farmers still rely on outdated methods due to lack of exposure to new technologies. Empowering them with knowledge about pest control, proper irrigation timing, and storage management can transform their productivity. Agricultural cooperatives, if strengthened, can also give farmers collective bargaining power to access inputs and negotiate fairer prices.
In the face of adversity, Northern Nigeria’s farmers continue to display remarkable resilience. Their endurance mirrors the layers of the very crop they cultivate — tough on the outside, yet rich and essential within. Every bulb harvested represents hours of toil under the sun, days of uncertainty, and nights of prayer for a better yield. These are not just farmers; they are custodians of the nation’s food security, the unsung heroes whose efforts feed millions.
The future of onion farming in Nigeria depends on how the country responds to its present challenges. Investing in technology, infrastructure, and climate adaptation is no longer optional — it is a necessity. With proper planning, research, and government intervention, the North can transform its onion fields into sustainable sources of income and nutrition.
Bulbs of gold in the North will continue to shine, but their brilliance will depend on collective action, from policymakers and scientists to farmers and consumers. If nurtured wisely, the humble onion could become more than just a crop; it could be the foundation of agricultural transformation in Nigeria
