RMRDC, BoI Set to Partner on Boosting Nigeria’s Onion Value-Chain Development
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have agreed to partner to halt post-harvest losses and enhance value addition in the onion value chain.
The Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, confirmed this on Wednesday, when he led a team on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, in Lagos.
Ike-Muonso said that the visit was to explore collaborative opportunities focused on onion processing and export, adding that its partnership with BoI was a strategic move to revolutionise Nigeria’s onion industry.
He said that the partnership was to emphasise the need to establish a facility aimed at processing surplus fresh onions into high-value flakes and powder, primarily for the domestic and export markets.
According to him, onion development will be a huge boom for Nigeria, and encourage venturing into many other raw materials developments like jute bags which have high market values.
“The establishment of an onion processing facility seeks to leverage the abundance of onion cultivated in Nigeria which most times suffers from over 50 per cent post harvest losses.
“This is due to inadequate preservation, lack of processing infrastructure and inefficient market access. “The proposed onion processing facility is expected to not only minimise waste but also create jobs, support industrial growth and national objectives for agricultural industrialisation,” he said.
According to him, the facility will also ensure food security and position Nigeria as a key player in the global onion value chain. The Managing Director of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, expressed optimism and strong willingness to partner with RMRDC, noting that all necessary variables and factors for success must be critically evaluated before full implementation.
Olusi said that both organisations agreed to embark on thorough research and feasibility studies to ensure the project achieved its objectives of reducing post-harvest losses.
He added that the project would also increase the onion shelf life, improve farmers’ incomes, and unlock export opportunities for the Nigerian onion products in the global market.
The RMRDC is a pivotal Nigerian government agency under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. It focuses on promoting the development and optimal utilisation of Nigeria’s vast industrial raw materials, fostering sustainable industrial growth.#RMRDC, BoI Set to Partner on Boosting Nigeria’s Onion Value-Chain Development#
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