Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting onion production, improving storage facilities and expanding export opportunities as part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida, disclosed this at a sensitisation workshop on the establishment of onion farming clusters held at Kara Onion Market in Sokoto.
The workshop was organised by the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Achida said the government planned to support onion farmers through the construction of large storage facilities, establishment of seed modification centres, provision of modern farming equipment and training in improved agricultural techniques.
He disclosed that construction of the storage facilities had reached an advanced stage, adding that the government had increased budgetary allocation to agriculture in line with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point SMART agenda.
The initiative is expected to strengthen onion farming clusters, improve post-harvest management and support farmers in adopting modern production methods.
The planned investments in storage infrastructure are also aimed at addressing challenges associated with preserving harvested onions, reducing post-harvest losses and improving the availability of produce for local markets and export.
The government said its commitment to the sector formed part of broader efforts to improve agricultural productivity and create economic opportunities for farmers across Sokoto State.
