By: Haruna Kuyateh
In a bid to strengthen onion production, farmers have called on the government, through the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, to institutionalize a temporary ban on onion imports during the local harvest season. This, they argue, will help address the growing market demand for local onions. Meanwhile, the ROOTS Project, through the Agriculture Value Chain Interaction Platform (AVIP), continues to support farmers in boosting production and marketing.
Isatou Dibba, Treasurer of AVIP, highlighted the importance of the ROOTS Project in building the capacity of farmers, enhancing entrepreneurship, and creating market linkages with onion buyers. Speaking to The Voice on Sunday in Illiasa, she noted that AVIP’s efforts are paying off, describing the initiative as laudable. According to her, it has contributed significantly to addressing market challenges while strengthening farmers’ ability to increase production.
Dibba disclosed that AVIP in Illiasa has purchased 10 tons of onions from farmers, thanking buyers for their continued support. She explained that capacity enhancement efforts have enabled farmers to adopt best agronomic practices, thereby addressing the concerns of buyers.
AVIP members used the opportunity to call on the government to engage onion importers to support local farmers’ marketing efforts. They believe this would encourage farmers to produce more. Dibba reiterated that the platform promotes value addition and ensures quality supply to customers, selling in 18-kilo bags. She also emphasized the need for better coordination and networking among onion importers.
She thanked farmers in Upper Badibou for their understanding and called for more resources to meet the growing demands of farmers. AVIP executive members noted that creating market linkages is crucial to boosting production and addressing post-harvest losses. Initially, the market price for an 18-kilo bag was D700 but later dropped to D500. This, they said, has reduced the burden on farmers and increased their income.
