Onion storage structures in Nigeria: A review of the current status, constraints and a model for future prospects

Abstract

The rate of deterioration and periodic scarcity of onion in Nigeria due to inadequate storage structure cannot be overemphasized. The  high percentage of onion losses incurred after harvesting period is due to non-availability of appropriate facility for its storage, Onion is  grown in the northern states mostly by peasant farmers and transported to the various regions in the country. To ensure supply of the commodity all year round, adequate storage structures must be put in place. The objective of this paper is to review the current status of  Onion storage structures in Nigeria, constraints and look at the model for future prospects. Despite the advancement in modern storage  structures found in developed countries, the storage structures are still traditional in Nigeria, and that almost all the existing onion storage structures in the country are of low standard with low storage capacities, poor storage efficiencies and corresponding high  storage losses.