FG kickstarts Intervention for Flood-Hit Onion Farmers in Kebbi

News in Brief

-NADF has kicked off its Onion Intervention Programme in Kebbi State, distributing farm inputs such as seeds and fertilisers to support 520 flood-affected onion farmers.

-The intervention aims to ease the burden on rural farmers in the onion belt with plans to help 5,000 more farmers soon for the dry season farming.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), has rolled out the first phase of the Onion Intervention Programme for Onion farmers in Kebbi State.

The launch, which took place last week at Birnin Kebbi's Produce Office, targets 520 producers hit by floods, pest outbreaks, and climate-related shocks. Their farmlands were severely ravaged, and the damage affected their incomes. This support aims to restore hope for the rural farmers in the key onion belt.​​

Prof. Maryam Abubakar, NADF's Director of Emergency Response, standing in for the Executive Secretary Muhammad Abu, called the effort a rapid recovery push for vulnerable growers. She highlighted the crop's role in food security and rural livelihoods, noting heavy hits in Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Borno States.

5,000 Onion Farmers to Benefit

NADF also disclosed that plans are already in place to scale up support during the 2025/2026 dry season farming cycle, tying into broader federal strategies to bolster crop production.​ According to the financing agency, no fewer than 5,000 onion farmers affected by last year’s flooding and pest invasion would be identified to benefit in subsequent phases of the intervention.

It assured dramatic transparency in the distribution process, stating that the exercise would be equitable and closely monitored in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.

Chairman of the occasion, Rep. Bello Kaoje, House Committee Chairman on Agricultural Production, praised farmers' resilience in the face of climate challenges. The politician representing Bagudu/Suru federal constituency vowed legislative backing for more aid and agriculture interventions for the farmers.

Meanwhile, Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture Shehu Muazu, representing the governor, warned against diversion, insisting inputs reach genuine hands via the Onion Farmers’ Association. NADF promises transparent monitoring with state partners.