Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Onions require loose, fertile soil for proper bulb formation.

Major producing states include Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Plateau. The North-West and North-Central regions are the leading producers due to suitable climatic conditions.

Rain-fed farming: June–August. Irrigated farming: October–December.

Rain-fed planting: November–January. Irrigated planting: March–May.

Early-maturing varieties: 90–100 days. Late-maturing varieties: 120–150 days.

Land Preparation: Land is cleared, plowed, and harrowed to create a fine seedbed. Raised beds or ridges are used to improve drainage. Planting: Onions are propagated through nursery-raised seedlings, which are transplanted at 6–8 weeks old. Recommended spacing: 10–15 cm between plants and 20–30 cm between rows. Fertilizer Application: Apply NPK 15:15:15 at transplanting and top-dress with Urea (46% N) at bulb formation. Organic manure (compost or poultry droppings) improves soil fertility.

Use of high-yield, disease-resistant onion varieties like Red Creole, White Lisbon, Violet de Galmi, and Dan Zaria. Irrigation systems (drip or furrow) are used during dry season farming. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Crop rotation with cereals (e.g., maize, millet) or legumes to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.

Common onion pests in Nigeria include Onion Thrips, Leaf Miners, and Cutworms. Control measures: Use of Neem oil or botanical insecticides for pest control. Application of Lambda-cyhalothrin or Cypermethrin to manage thrips and leaf miners. Crop rotation and intercropping to reduce pest infestations.

Onions are harvested manually when the leaves turn yellow and fall over. Curing (drying) for 2–3 weeks improves shelf life. Sorting and grading ensure quality for market or storage.

Nigeria is the largest onion producer in West Africa, producing over 1.4 million metric tons annually. High demand for fresh onions, onion powder, dried onion flakes, and onion oil. Government support includes CBN’s Agricultural Credit Schemes and Farmer Cooperatives. High export potential for fresh onions, processed onion products, and onion seeds.