RMRDC, BOI plan onion processing facility to reduce post-harvest losses

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says it will partner with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to  set up an onion processing facility to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance value-addition in the value chain of the produce.

Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, director-general of RMRDC, announced the partnership on Wednesday when he led a team on a courtesy visit to Olasupo Olusi, chief executive officer of BoI, in Lagos.

Ike-Muonso said the visit was to explore collaborative opportunities focused on onion processing and export.

He said the partnership emphasises 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.

“The establishment of an onion processing facility seeks to leverage the abundance of onion cultivated in Nigeria which most times suffers from over 50 percent post-harvest losses,” the director-general said.

“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.”

Ike-Muonso said the facility would ensure food security and position Nigeria as a key player in the global onion value chain.

On his part, Olusi expressed optimism and a strong willingness to partner with RMRDC, emphasising the need for a critical evaluation of all necessary variables and factors for success before full implementation.

The CEO said both organisations will conduct thorough research and feasibility studies to ensure the project achieves its objectives of reducing post-harvest losses.

He noted that the project will also extend onion shelf life, raise farmers’ incomes, and tap into global export markets for onions grown in the country.

On March 29, the University of Benin partnered with the research and development council to enhance the commercialisation of raw materials and industrial inputs for manufacturing.