The National Association of Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NOPPman) has intensified its efforts to combat the circulation of false onion seeds throughout the country, committing to protect the interests of farmers and guarantee the integrity of the onion value chain.
Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, the national president of NOPPman, Alhaji Aliyu Isa, confirmed the arrest of a suspect, identified as Kano Jafaru, who was supposedly found in possession of falsified onion seeds.
Alhaji Isa expressed a serious concern about the persistent problem of false seeds that infiltrate the sector, and pointed out that the problem had caused onion farmers throughout the country to suffer losses that amounted to billions of Naira.
“Last year, the onion subsector faced great setbacks due to the introduction of false and lower quality seeds,” he said. “This led to a wide economic sabotage and interrupted the livelihoods of innumerable small farmers.”
According to him, credible intelligence suggests that more individuals are still in possession of such harmful products, which continue to sell to unsuspecting farmers. In response, Noppman has intensified its collaboration with security agencies to identify and detain the perpetrators.
He revealed that the suspect, Jafaru, admitted to having the seeds, but said he was only selling the high quality. However, the association confiscated the seeds for laboratory analysis, waiting for the verification of its authenticity.
“We cannot risk. Until the seeds are tested and certified by experts, they remain in our custody,” said Alhaji Isa.
He added that Noppman would be working closely with the Sokoto Agricultural Development Project and the National Horticultural Research Institute to perform comprehensive tests on the seized seeds.
“Depending on the results of the test, the seeds can be released or used as evidence of prosecution in a court of justice,” he said.
When asked about the reach of financial damage caused by false seeds, Alhaji Isa said the evaluations were ongoing, with more precise figures expected in July or August 2025.
He assured those interested that the association, in association with federal and state authorities, is committed to eradicating the sale of false seeds and support for affected farmers.
“We are determined in our mission to identify and prosecute those responsible. The government is also establishing mechanisms to help farmers recover and return to their farms,” ​​he added.
This renewed repression represents a significant step towards the restoration of confidence in the onion cultivation industry of Nigeria and protect the livelihoods of thousands of farmers throughout the country.
Reacting to the accusations, Jafaru denied having sold fake seeds, claiming that he simply had them in his possession. He also said that he did not know the NOPPMAN directive that required that people in possession of unbelievable seeds submit them for the tests.
However, he expressed his willingness to face any penalty if he is guilty of treating in counterfeit products.
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